J. Edgar Hoover, head of the FBI for nearly fifty years and renowned law enforcement figure, sadly passed away on May 2, 1972 at the age of 77. Hoover took his position of FBI Director in 1924 and held it until his death. In that time, Hoover established the FBI as a powerful and respected government agency, developing and expanding its investigative techniques, modernizing its crime labs, and pioneering its public education campaigns. He is remembered for his commitment to keeping the nation safe, as well as strong opposition to communism and other national threats. Hoover, who did not marry nor have children, is survived by two sisters, Anna Marie and Lillian. His contributions to the nation will live on in the agency he created and the international respect for law enforcement he nurtured.