The FAPPS Distinguished Service Award is our Association’s most prestigious award. Starting in 2013 with Don Eisenberg, we have recognized some of the most impactful people in FAPPS, people that have made a significant difference in keeping the profession of process serving viable and profitable for private Process Servers.

The FDSA this year is going to a man I’ve known since the fall of 1992. That’s the late 1900s for you youngsters in the audience.

He’s the Godfather of Education for process servers, and in some ways the godfather of our Formal Education Program. He is an absolute authority on Chapter 48. He is always available to help others, share his knowledge and can answer any question on the requirements of Chapter 48 and more importantly, how to apply them to be a successful process server.

He taught the process server education class in Pinellas County at St. Pete College for many years.

He was instrumental in establishing the FAPPS Education Program and was its first instructor.

He has been an active participant in FAPPS meetings for many years and was an active member of our Legislative committee.

Rene Bauer, who is an Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit and an instructor at St. Petersburg College had this to say about him:

I have known Russ for 18 years. I first met him in 2006 when I started teaching the process server class at St. Petersburg College. Together, Russ and I taught both the 40-hour certification class and the 4-hour refresher.

Here is what I know about Russ:

• Russ is a consummate professional. He has been a private investigator and process server for over 40 years and is extremely knowledgeable.
• Russ continues to be a mentor to many of his former students.
• Russ cares about the process server profession and is very generous with his time.
• Russ welcomes your questions by phone or email, and, if he doesn’t have an immediate answer, he will take additional time to get the information you need.

It doesn’t matter if you were just recently appointed by a Sheriff or Chief Judge, or you’ve been serving papers for two years, or you’ve been around for 30 plus years, Russ is always there to assist you.

In the past, Russ and I would get together to make sure class materials were up-to-date and to make sure students received all the information they needed to be successful process servers.

Even after Russ stopped teaching classes at the college, he volunteered his time to come back to the 40-hour classes to share his knowledge and experience with students who were about to join the profession.

Most recently, Russ met with me and other process servers to break down and discuss the numerous changes in Chapter 48 that became effective in January 2023.

Russ wants all members of FAPPS to succeed because it’s good for his profession. Russ doesn’t see you as competition. He sees you as a colleague and friend.

On behalf of the 2024 FAPPS Distinguished Award committee, please join me in congratulating our 2024 recipient, Russ Aloi.

For the Committee,

Bob Musser
Chair, FAPPS Distinguished Service Award Committee