In a move that sent shock waves around the Department of Correction, on Thursday, February 8th, President Norman Seabrook and the COBA Executive Board led a five- hour long informational protest at the Rikers Island bridge to force the DOC to continue around-the-clock security protection for fellow Correction Officer Brent Edwards, who was shot multiple times several days ago and remains in intensive care at Kings County Hospital. Starting at 4:30 a.m., they distributed flyers to uniformed officers and civilians reporting to work and informed them about the inexcusable attempt made by the DOC to deny COBA’s request that Officer Edward’s protection be extended.

"It is absolutely outrageous that the Department of Correction would attempt to cut overtime costs by leaving one of its own members stranded, while his assailants remain on the loose," said President Norman Seabrook. "I hope this serves as a wake up call to everyone that we will never tolerate this blatant failure to protect a Correction Officer, who puts his or her life in harm’s way everyday with some of the most dangerous criminals in the City of New York.”

Seabrook added, “Moving forward, the COBA will continue to ensure that every Correction Officer is treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve.”

Officer Edwards continues to receive around-the-clock security protection and one of his assailants was recently apprehended.