After more than five decades in the tree care industry, David McQuaid, CTSP, is hanging up his climbing gear—and with it, his Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) credential.

Dave’s journey in tree care began in 1972. Over 54 years, he built a career that included serving as a training instructor with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 1919, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—a position from which he recently retired.

David earned his CTSP certification in 2010 and spent the past 15 years as a dedicated safety professional, educator, and contributor to TCI Magazine. The CTSP program was launched in 2006.

As Dave steps into retirement at age 70, he shares a heartfelt letter with the TCIA CTSP team. We were inspired by his passion and purpose, and we thought you might be too.

Here’s what he had to say:

Dear TCIA CTSP Team,

Thank you so much for the letter reminding me that my status is about to expire. I am aware of that, and it is with heavy heart that I am going to let it expire.

I have had wonderful times with everyone there, the education, the learning opportunities, the people, all are top-notch and I have been blessed by them all.

I have been involved in the education aspects of the line clearance tree trimming in industry for years, and it is because of that fact, the year’s part, that I am going to retire. I started doing tree work back in 1972.

You’ve given me opportunities to bring others into the fold, and you’ve even allowed me to have two articles in TCI Magazine, as well as speak in my hometown of Pittsburgh about the evolution of the Line Clearance Tree Trimmer.

I am now 70 years old, and although I still occasionally climb, it’s not my occupation anymore. And since I’m no longer in the field, I’m not keeping up with all of the requirements as I used to.

So, in closing, it’s been a fantastic run. I have been blessed by you all, and I wish nothing but the best for this wonderful organization.

God bless you all.

Dave McQuaid