U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Tampa Division

STEVEN E. IBISON
SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE

Contact: Special Agent Dave Couvertier ♦ Media Representative ♦ 813/253-1033
5525 West Gray Street Tampa, Florida 33609

For Immediate Release

February 13, 2008

FBI TO COMMEMORATE LOCAL STUDENT

Tampa, Florida - Special Agent in Charge Steven E. Ibison today announced that the Federal Bureau of Investigation Tampa Field Office will make a presentation to honor the memory of Mark Henry Desmarais, who passed away in 2007. The event will take place at the Cambridge Christian School, 6101 North Habana Avenue, Tampa, Florida at 2:00 p.m., on February 15, 2008.

During 2006, the FBI Tampa office became aware of Mark's courageous battle with cancer. FBI personnel also learned that Mark revered the FBI and about his desire to become an FBI special agent. Mark and his family were subsequently invited to visit the Tampa FBI office and were given a tour of the facility. Mark met with FBI employees and received FBI related gifts, to include an FBI Junior Special Agent Badge. Mark made an unforgettable impact on the employees and touched the hearts of the men and women of the FBI.

On February 16, 2007, FBI Junior Special Agent Mark Henry Desmarais, nine years old, passed away after succumbing to his illness.