LOWELL | David Wilson, the town's former police chief who has filed a federal lawsuit against the town, said Wednesday he waited two years to file to give himself time to digest it all.

Wilson left the Lowell Police Department in September 2006 in what some saw as a forced retirement after 26 years, eight of which were as chief.

The lawsuit filed by Wilson's attorney, Crystal Bauer, of Merrillville, alleges town officials retaliated against Wilson after he protested inappropriate treatment of some officers.

"I spent over half of my life in service to the town of Lowell and in support of our legal system," Wilson, 50, now of Kouts, said Wednesday. "When I felt pressured to violate those beliefs, voicing my objections and unwillingness to take such actions brought repercussions, and now I'm asking the legal system to work for me."

Wilson became police chief in 1999 and outwardly, at least, enjoyed a good relationship with town police commissioners and councilmen, but following a tense Lowell Police Commission meeting in October 2004, those relationships became strained.

Councilman David Gard, D-5th, who attended that meeting and is named in the lawsuit, said he is disappointed to see the issues rise again.

"It was such an unfortunate thing the last time. ... I'm disappointed," he said. "I don't bear any ill will toward Dave Wilson. I'm sorry that what occurred he considered personal."

Following the October 2004 meeting, it was alleged that Sgt. Scott Tokach declined to shake Gard's hand.

Tokach, along with Lt. Shane Tucker, had vigorously voiced opinions regarding a take-home car policy considered by the commission.

Wilson alleges he was told to discipline the officers for the handshaking incident and their comments to the commission and that his refusal led to the manipulation of his job title.

The Lowell Police Commission and Lowell Police Department are included in the lawsuit, which seeks actual and punitive damages.