After two decades dedicated to spill response and fire investigation, David Delzotto is stepping into retirement with a career defined by adaptability, curiosity, and a steady commitment to supporting clients through complex and often challenging events.
David spent 20 years in the industry, drawn to the fact that no two days were ever the same. Each file brought new circumstances, new people, and new problems to solve. He speaks fondly of the constant variety, the vibrant pace of the work, the evolving nature of the industry, and the many clients he met along the way. Watching the field change over the years, in both positive and difficult ways, became one of the most fascinating parts of his professional journey.
When reflecting on his accomplishments, David doesn’t point to a single moment, but rather to the people. He is most proud of the many “neat, cool people” he met throughout his career, including colleagues, clients, adjusters, and investigators. He describes the Pario team as filled with genuinely good, interesting individuals, and considers the relationships he built one of the greatest rewards of his work.
Some experiences, however, left a lasting impact. Earlier in his career, David often arrived at accident scenes while incidents were still unfolding, sometimes involving fatalities. These moments were difficult, and required calm, neutrality, and emotional resilience. David handled these situations with professionalism and steadiness, but he acknowledges that you never forget them. Over the years, he attended around ten fatal events, each one still clear in his memory.
During his time with Pario Engineering & Environmental Sciences, David attended approximately 1,400 fire scenes and 1,000 chemical spills, travelling nearly 100,000 kilometres each year in his truck. David had previously been involved in the spill remediation industry; however, the uniqueness of fire investigation opened doors to projects he never imagined he’d be part of. One of his proudest contributions was building Pario’s fire investigation presence in Thunder Bay. When the region suddenly lacked a fire investigator, David being a volunteer fire fighter, saw an opportunity to help. He flew to Toronto, completed a fire investigation course, returned to Thunder Bay, and immediately stepped in to support adjusters who were scrambling for expertise. From that moment, the calls started coming and a new chapter of his career began.
To younger professionals entering the industry, David offers clear, practical advice. Always act immediately on communication, even a quick acknowledgment matters. Stay neutral, or as he puts it, “be Switzerland.” Follow the evidence, avoid forming opinions too early, and remain available and willing to help. And with a touch of humour, he warns juniors in Northern Ontario: “Don’t buy an electric car, Winter will leave you with about 1.5 kilometres between charges.”
As David begins retirement, he looks forward to travelling with his wife and continuing to support the next generation of investigators. He will remain involved with Pario, training junior fire investigators and spill response teams while gradually easing into a slower, more flexible schedule.
Everyone at Pario Engineering & Environmental Sciences extends heartfelt appreciation to David for his dedication, his steady presence, and the countless miles, scenes, and moments that shaped his remarkable career. We wish him all the very best as he steps into this next chapter.