Sidney resident, former police captain reflects on Occupy Wall Street arrest

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February 7, 2012

By Mark Boshnack Staff Writer The Daily Star Tue Feb 07, 2012, 10:53 AM EST

SIDNEY -- A Sidney resident's photo can be found in the illustrations for the cover story of the most recent "Person on the Year" issue of Time magazine.

Retired Philadelphia Police Capt. Ray Lewis and his wife, Loddie Marsh, have been living at their home in the town of Sidney for eight years before he got involved in a protest movement that brought him national recognition. This includes a place in the Time "The Protester" story and interviews on several cable news show.

Lewis, 60, was arrested Nov. 17, while wearing his police uniform at an Occupy Wall Street protest. He got involved after seeing "Inside Job," a movie about the global economic crisis of 2008. He talked about the experience at his home Monday.

In reading about the Occupy movement, he saw the opportunity "to do something more than just complain," about what he saw as an injustice. He felt those protesting were marginalized by the mainstream media. His involvement with his uniform would help give it a sense of validity because of his nearly 24-year career, he said. His active duty ended in 2003, effective the following year.

It was soon after leaving the force that he and his wife found what would become their home. They found it while reading real estate ads at a Hancock diner.

Sidney Center Improvement Group Co-chairman Joe Lally said that he has known Lewis for several years. Lewis has been very proactive on environmental issues, including restoring wetlands on his property, Lally said.

Lewis was also involved with the Sidney Center group, Lally said, getting training a couple of years ago on assessing water quality.

He saw the news pictures when Lewis was arrested, but wasn't surprised because "he is conscientious about what is going on" at a local level and beyond.

"He never struck me as someone who would sit on the sidelines. He is more of a participant than an observer," Lally said.

Lewis moved here for the seclusion, but he was willing "to sacrifice that because the cause was so just," he said.

He left for the Occupy Wall Street protests Nov. 14, staying in an Harlem hotel during his involvement. The next two days he went to Zuccotti Park, where the protest was focused. That Wednesday he heard of a Wall Street protest that led to the arrest.

"The thought of being arrested never crossed my mind," he said. But then when he saw all the devoted people willing to sacrifice their freedom and risk their personal welfare. "That so inspired me," he said. He decided on the spot to show solidarity and sat down at about 9 a.m. in a show of civil disobedience.

According to the caption on Page 62 of the year-end issue of Time, "Walking across that intersection was the proudest moment of my life."

Lewis faced criticism from Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey for wearing his uniform at the protests. The head of the local branch of Lewis' union told him by letter that his actions had been referred to a grievance committee.

He has not heard anything further on the issues. But, Lewis said, he researched what he was doing, contacting the police department before getting involved. He was clearly within his rights to take such action. "There was never any doubt I did the right thing."

After being handcuffed, he spent 10 hours at the NYPD central processing unit before being released on a violation. Late last month, the case was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal. He probably had a little better treatment than some of the other protesters because of his uniform, he said.

His wife, who was not available for comment Monday, had no idea of his arrest until he called later, he said. She was just concerned that he was okay. Lewis had been at the Occupy Wall Street protests, until recent medical issues required his return to Sidney.

To those who say that he is enjoying the national spotlight, "I wouldn't have left my job if I wanted the publicity," he said.

He found his 24 years on the police force "tremendously rewarding," he said. "You are helping people each and every day."

His activities now are an extension of that, Lewis said. He will be leaving Friday to help with the Occupy Philadelphia protests, he said. He will be traveling with others from the New York protests to other actions around the region.