J. Edgar HooverFormer Senator Joseph McCarthy put it perfectly when he said, "...for the FBI there is J. Edgar Hoover and I think we can be sure he always will be." (qtd. in Denenberg 7). J. Edgar Hoover is credited with rebuilding the Bureau of Investigations (later renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigations). Regardless of how people saw him, Hoover was powerful and committed and did everything in his power to improve the agency that would make this country a safer place for everyone. John Edgar Hoover was born on New Year's Day 1895. After years of education and began his law school as a third generation civil servant in July 1917 as a clerk in the Department of Justice (Denenberg 23,25-26). He was promoted to acting director in 1919 and then director in 1924. He directed the FBI until his death on May 2, 1972, at the age of 77 (DeLoach 226). With all the changes to the system that occurred because of his hard work, J. Edgar Hoover is called the “father of modern law enforcement” (DeLoach 226). Hoover can take credit for separating the Bureau from politics, raising standards for agents, and implementing many other necessary anti-crime programs (DeLoach 226-227). Most people were afraid of Hoover and this caused an attempt to portray him, through the media, in a less than flattering way (DeLoach 228). It is very difficult to find positive information about him; but no one can deny the hard work and results he has achieved for the good of this country. To date, he is the longest-serving leader of an executive branch agency, having served eight presidents. He had good relations with all presidents regardless of their political position. Herbert Hoover (no relation) recommended J. Edgar Hoover to the Attorney General for his director position at the Bureau based on his previous performance. No president has come close to being fired (Hoover 34-35). For nearly three generations, and even now, it is almost impossible to think of the FBI without thinking of Hoover. Democrats accused him of being a Republican just as Republicans accused him of being a Democrat. Hoover himself was not political. He was equally skeptical, dismissive, and vindictive in his treatment of leftists and rightists he disliked (Hoover 40). Hoover raided the department and fired agents with questionable... middle of paper... velvet to obtain communications and tactics of suspected spies and war enemies. Although controversial, it ended the largest spy ring operating in this country (Denenberg 79-81; Directors). Over the years, Hoover's commitment to emphasizing the importance of the FBI's contribution to expanding the jurisdiction and responsibilities of the FBI (directors).J. Edgar Hoover's record of notable government service has never been equaled. He transformed the bureau from a corrupt and poorly managed organization into a quality law enforcement agency. As its size and budget has increased over the years, its reputation for competence and integrity has diminished. He has lost much of the respect he enjoyed in Hoover's time. Works Cited Denenberg, Barry. The true story of J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1993.DeLoach, Cartha. "J. Edgar Hoover." Notes: Life Stories. Ed. Brian Agnello. New York: Random House, 1999. Directors: Then and Now. Home Page. July 1, 2004. Hoover, J. Edgar. Edgar Hoover speaks out. By Jack Wooldridge and Wilbur Martin.Nation's Business January 1972: 32-45.