Salute to a generation of service and police work

Happy 89th Birthday to Brooklyn’s Leslie Lewis

May 19, 2015 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Leslie Lewis has been working with Brooklyn’s 84th Precinct since the 1980s, and he was recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2012 for his efforts in helping to make the borough’s streets safer. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

Share this:

One of the people who has contributed to transforming the streets of Brooklyn for more than 20 years — Leslie Lewis — is celebrating his 88th birthday today.

Lewis, a Bronx native and Brooklyn resident since 1982, works as the 84th Precinct Community Council president and as criminal justice liaison to the Brooklyn borough president. It is through these positions that Lewis is able to help his community by assisting the denizens of Brooklyn to better communicate with police to find solutions to tough problems.

“There is not a bigger supporter of the police than Leslie,” the 84th Precinct’s Capt. Sergio Centa said at a recent Community Council meeting. “He is without a doubt behind us 100 percent. It’s great to work with someone [who is] on the same page as you and has your interest in mind.”

For all of his work, Lewis was recognized with a Congressional Commendation from Congressman Ed Towns back on Feb. 28, 2012.

“Mr. Lewis gathers complaints from the public and then communicates them to the police, making sure that something gets done about them,” the commendation reads. “Crime has seen a dramatic decrease in the 84th Precinct. Since 1990, it’s gone down over 90 percent, according to NYPD statistics. Because of efforts of community leaders like Mr. Lewis, Brooklyn neighborhoods have a high quality of life, are more walkable and real estate is more valuable.

“Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Leslie Lewis for his lifelong effort to bring additional resources into our local institutions, communities and neighborhoods, and helping to improve employment opportunities for needy Brooklyn residents.”

Lewis doesn’t have a background in law enforcement. He simply feels it’s important to leave something positive behind.

“It is important in our life journey to have a legacy that you are proud of,” Lewis said. “I am proud that this legacy is one of mine.”

Lewis is still lending a helping hand with the 84th Precinct, which will be holding its monthly Community Council meeting today, May 19, in the theater at 160 Schermerhorn St. at 7 p.m.