DRUG BUST COP HONORED

by dan rivoli

joe seabrook, the detective that died two months after assisting in a drug bust at the amsterdam houses last march, was honored aug. 14.

seabrook's parents received a plaque from the amsterdam houses tenants association at a family day event. the tenants recognized the detective's work in the investigation that led to the march 16 arrests of 28 suspected drug dealers, which started with tenants' complaints.

seabrook, a former narcotics detective, was part of a six-officer team that patrolled the amsterdam houses, the 13-building public housing complex that stretches from west 61st to 65th streets. he used his training in narcotics to target a drug operation that was set up in five buildings. his information sparked the investigation in spring 2009. seabrook's work is credited with dismantling the drug dealing.

"these officers were able to develop relationships of trust and confidence with the residents, attributes that were instrumental in obtaining valuable information," new york housing authority wrote in a statement.

margarita curet, the tenant association president, said residents of the amsterdam houses could come to seabrook and his fellow officers with their concerns.

"they felt comfortable with them and detective seabrook," curet said. "i feel a little bit safer than before. he was a great officer."

after the bust, seabrook, a father of two girls, suffered a stroke and was later diagnosed with leukemia. he died may 29 at a bronx hospital.