FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

SUPERIOR - Superior Police Chief Chuck LaGesse went on the record Tuesday about the most recent investigation of his now-former police captain.  He also acknowledged the sour tensions that have been billowing within the department for years.

While Chief LaGesse has only been the top cop for three months, he said he's not wasting any time gaining back the trust from not only the community but his police force.

"This has been very difficult on me,” LaGesse said, referring to the recent perjury investigation of veteran Capt. Chad La Lor.

"Chad La Lor was a close friend of mine, a close worker, a close co–worker -- someone I respected the ability of and counted on the talents as I took the office of chief,” LaGesse said.

But LaGesse said he felt strongly to launch an investigation after officers accused the 18–year veteran of lying under oath about alleged drinking and driving – all prior to his 2009 hit and run incident involving alcohol.

"It took courage to come forward with these concerns and I'm appreciative that they chose to do so," LaGesse said.

While the Bayfield District Attorney and the Washburn County Sheriff both concluded a lack of evidence to arrest La Lor for the crime of perjury, LaGesse felt it was best for the captain to resign because of tensions already running strong through the department involving discipline of officers, including La Lor himself.

"There was a perception that association officers were reprimanded more severely than supervisory staff. And that's one of the issues that lead to some contention in our agency,” LaGesse said.

As La Lor stood firm on his innocence through the whole ordeal, LaGesse said he's standing firm on creating a police department that's doors open for officers and the citizens of Superior.

"The first step in regaining the trust of the community is being transparent and saying there were problems and we are addressing them and the expectations are set higher. I think that's something the members of our department want also.”

It is a department LaGesse said is made up of good officers he’s proud to hold to the highest new standard.

"I expect every member of the Superior Police Department to dedicate themselves to professional policing and to conduct themselves – on or off duty – in an honorable fashion."

Chief LaGesse said an internal investigation is under way Tuesday into officers who did not report La Lor's alleged drinking and driving offenses when they apparently happened.