On May 9, 1979, the Court Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, and Process Servers Association of Michigan was officially born. The creation of CODSA was conceived by a small group of process servers who shared common interests regarding the future success of this profession.

The original incorporators in 1979 were Don Boone, Gordon De Haan, Randy Miller, Earnest Beebe, Donald Hasting, Tom Briggs, John Kastros, Lawrence Schutte, Orrin Getting, and Don Dixon.

In 1979, the fee for the service of a Summons was $5 and a Garnishment was $3.00, plus mileage.

It appears that Lawrence Schutte was the first President of CODSA from 1979 to 1980. He was followed by Orrin Geeting 1981-1982, Thomas Zahon 1985-1986, Calvin Glassford 1987-1988, David Soncrant 1989-1994, Tom Briggs 1995-1996, Victor Lotycz 1997-1998, Jeff Kirkpatrick 1999-2002, Dave Grizzel 2003-2004, and our current President Rick Risk since 2005.

The first board of directors in 1979 were Don Boone, Gordon De Haan, John Kastros, Don Dixon, Randy Miller, Ernest Beebe, and Tom Briggs.

To date there have been three Honorary Life Memberships granted by the Board. They are Don Boone (June 15, 1921 - December 10, 1999), Gordon De Haan, and Tom Briggs (November 16, 1942 -).

Look at a picture of the first fee increase bill from 1979. Look at the fees for service in 1979.

Tom Briggs agreed to help me expand on the history of this association and I wish to thank him for providing much of the historical information, including a copy of the picture taken at the first bill signing. Please click here to read the history of this association by Tom Briggs.

Jeff Kirkpatrick