On July 26, 2008, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will commemorate 100 years of service to the United States.
Larry Martin, Deputy to the Mayor of the City of Knoxville, presented SAC Lambert with a proclamation claming July 25 as FBI Day in the City of Knoxville and asked all Knoxville citizens to observe this honor in celebration of the 100 years of service that the FBI has provided and also to honor the dedication of those who serve in this important intelligence and law enforcement organization.
Through its national security work, its partnerships with local and state law enforcement, and its efforts to develop important relationships with neighborhood groups and leaders, the FBI helps to secure our communities and our families.
The Bureau, committed to protecting our nation's freedom, has a rich history within the American story. Its centennial offers a special opportunity to publicly recognize this unique organization and the traditions and values of its dedicated employees.
HISTORY OF FBI:
President Theodore Roosevelt and Attorney General Charles Bonaparte recognized the need for a federal investigative service made up of professionals hired and promoted on the basis of merit and not political connections, which could respond to corruption and criminal activity beyond the resources and jurisdiction of local and state agencies.
On July 26, 1908, Attorney General Bonaparte created this force of Special Agents which initially consisted of nine detectives, 13 civil rights investigators and a dozen accountants marking the beginning of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Today the FBI includes more than 30,000 agents and other professionals dedicated to protecting the United States and its citizens from terrorism and foreign intelligence threats in addition to upholding and enforcing the criminal laws of our nation.
The Knoxville, Tennessee Field Office opened on May 1, 1937. The first location for the office was in the Hamilton National Bank building in Knoxville, and six Special Agents were originally assigned to this office. Now the office is composed of 150 employees strong.