Press Release
☷FBI New Orleans Remembers Former Special Agent in Charge
Federal Bureau of Investigation ( By Press Release office)
Mar 28,2024
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The FBI in New Orleans is paying tribute to former Special Agent in Charge James Bernazzani , who passed away on March 24 in Biloxi , Mississippi . Bernazzani started his career in New Orleans in June of 1984 right after completing training at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico , Virginia . He later retired after leading the New Orleans Division from April 13 , 2005 , to May 9 , 2008 . Throughout his FBI career , he focused on taking down organized criminal groups , particularly international terrorist organizations . The current Special Agent in Charge of FBI New Orleans , Lyonel Myrthil , praised Bernazzani for his 24 years of dedicated service to the American people and the city . He played a crucial role in anti - terrorism investigations , including those following the 9/11 attacks , and in helping the city recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita . Bernazzani received the 2006 Presidential Medal for Meritorious Service from then - FBI Director Robert Mueller for his actions in the aftermath of the devastating storms . He is survived by his son and daughter , and funeral arrangements are currently being made . The FBI New Orleans extends its heartfelt condolences to Bernazzani ' s family and friends . Following the September 11 attacks , Bernazzani was assigned to counter any further threats against U . S . interests . He went on to hold senior positions at the Counterterrorism Center of the CIA and the newly established Terrorist Threat Integration Center . When he was appointed as the special agent in charge of FBI New Orleans , Bernazzani was overseeing international terrorism investigations and operations for the FBI . In October 1984 , Bernazzani joined the New Orleans Division as a new agent , where he worked on terrorism investigations both in the United States and abroad . He was also a member of the SWAT team . In January 1991 , he transferred to Washington , D . C . , where he handled cases involving terrorist actions against U . S . citizens in Western Europe , Africa , and the Middle East . Bernazzani later rose to the FBI Headquarters Counterterrorism Section , where he developed and implemented national strategies to combat the international threat . He also held various counterterrorism - related positions , including leading a Joint Terrorism Task Force in Houston and serving as the chief of Iran/Hezbollah operations at FBI Headquarters .
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