New York, July 25, 2012—Norman Seabrook, President of the New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, the second-largest law enforcement union in New York City, in conjunction with candidate for State Assembly Mark Gjonaj announced today that they will spearhead the effort to raise money in support of the family of Lloyd Morgan, the 4-year old child who was shot dead during a gunfight on a basketball court in the Bronx.

“Gun violence in our communities continues to take the lives of children who have not even started kindergarten to seniors who cannot enjoy their golden years,” said candidate for State Assembly in the 80^th Assembly District Mark Gjonaj.  “I along with President Seabrook and Assemblyman Stevenson call on all New Yorkers to step up to stop gun violence.”

“We live in communities where these kids are pulling out guns and shooting each other,” said COBA President Norman Seabrook. “We have a responsibility to make sure our members and their families are safe. I have personally responded to incidents where my own members have been shot watching their kids play basketball and I will not sit idly by and watch another innocent victim become yet another fatality in this city.”

“I’m proud to be working with true leaders like Mark and Norman who are committed to eliminating gun violence in our communities,” said Assemblyman Eric Stevenson.

The COBA has been a long-time advocate for gun victims with a public campaign that initially began in 2010 promoting the NYPD’s Operation Gun Stop program, which offers $1,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone caught with an illegal handgun.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund to help support the family of Lloyd Morgan can make donations to Shianne Norman and checks and money orders can be mailed to Clyde Thompson, Director of Community Affairs Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Centers, Inc. 955 Tinton Avenue, Bronx New York 10456 Attention Lloyd Morgan Jr. Family.  In addition, the COBA will be making a $5,000 contribution and Mr. Gjonaj and Assemblyman Stevenson will also contribute $1,000 each.  For more information about Mark Gjona call 917-681-9659 or email Markgjonaj2012@gmail.com. For more information about Assemblyman Eric Stevenson go to http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=079 and for more information about COBA go to www.cobanyc.org.