For the first time since emergency back surgery kept him off work for nearly three months last year, Honolulu Police Chief Boisse P. Correa yesterday spoke publicly about his recovery and return to the department.

"It wasn't easy. I was in a bed in excruciating pain. When you're in pain, you go through fear, and then doubt," said Correa, speaking after a law-enforcement legislative briefing in the state attorney general's office. "You're not worried about what's in the newspaper, you're worried about the department and who has to step in and lead. I was in no shape to go in front of the cameras and say 'This is why I'm here.' The department was never in jeopardy. Everyone that needed to know what was happening with Boisse Correa knew what was happening with Chief Boisse Correa."

Correa lost 40 pounds and yesterday no longer walked with a cane, which he had used during his recovery. Correa returned to light duty on Dec. 24, but his doctors have ordered him to work no more than four hours a day.

He undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation seven days a week, he said, and cannot come back to work full time until his physicians clear him.

"I am going through rehab, and I will not put on a uniform until I am 100 percent. As the chief of police, you're not always expected to lead," he said. "There are times when you need to be a follower. You need to follow and listen."

While out, Correa participated in the running of the department from his home via video teleconferencing, phone calls and meetings with commanders. He conducted interviews for promotions and participated in command meetings remotely.

He said his deputies were in command, but at times they came to his house or asked him for advice.

He also said Deputy Police Chief Paul Putzulu, his assistant chiefs, majors and officers all ensured that public safety was preserved and the department remained focused on accomplishing the goals Correa and his staff worked to establish.

Correa's back pain became unbearable Oct. 18 and he was taken to The Queen's Medical Center, where doctors performed surgery the next day.

He has told the Honolulu Police Commission that he has battled back problems since 2002 when he was an assistant chief. Correa re-injured his back in early 2006 during a training exercise at the department's recruit academy in Waipahu. He underwent back surgery in April 2006 and again in August 2006.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.