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Paul Combs's Blog (375)

LIFE SUPPORT



It baffles me to no end how city planners and leaders can justify their numbers when talk of privatizing EMS rolls around! If a fire based EMS system is already in place and is healthy and thriving, why mess with a sustainable money making machine? My friend and boss Bobby Halton said it best when reviewing this submission; stupid is, is stupid does! Forrest Gump is a… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 13, 2011 at 1:08pm — 9 Comments

MARCH MAGAZINE CARTOON



Why is it that some RIT crew members think that a fast and effective operation means emptying every compartment on their rig and carrying it inside to preform a rescue? You've seen these people, the ones in their bright yellow RIT vest standing like statues in a mountain of equipment waiting to leap into a rescue situation. I have even taught in a few departments that…

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Added by Paul Combs on April 4, 2011 at 1:42pm — 5 Comments

FDIC Wrap-Up - What a week!

What an exciting FDIC! This year's event was an incredible experience of meeting new friends, laughing loudly with old ones, autographing prints, and book signings. The popularity of Drawn By Fire continues to skyrocket and it's humbling to see it fly off the shelves - I never would have imagined this success!

However, they real joy of the week was getting to meet new…

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Added by Paul Combs on March 27, 2011 at 9:00am — 1 Comment

COURAGE and VALOR 5k

Ran the Courage and Valor 5k this evening and had a blast doing it! Hit a PR with a time of 32:05 - hey, I never said I was fast! But knowing you are wearing a chip-timer tends to get your butt moving a little faster. We had over 300 registered competitive runners with over 850 overall participants. It looked very impressive! With me in this photo are my Fire Engineering…

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Added by Paul Combs on March 24, 2011 at 8:00pm — 1 Comment

Dang!

Posting from my phone because internet connection from my hotel room has been out since last night. Hopefully will get to post more shortly. Sorry.

Added by Paul Combs on March 24, 2011 at 12:53pm — No Comments

Dressed For The Occasion

Of course this didn't happened, but it would have been funny!! Ah, the things that run through a cartoonist's head...

 

Seriously though, today's Opening Ceremony was exciting, honorable, respectful, somber, and passionate. Capt Mike Dugan's keynote was an absolute home run and my boss Chief Bobby Halton always delivers a power opening message. I…

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Added by Paul Combs on March 23, 2011 at 1:40pm — 1 Comment

FDIC - No Control

Why is it that every year here in Indy a group of guys have to show the world what an a** they can be? Please! Is it too much to ask that you at least pretend you've been to a city before? I'm not saying you can't go out after hours and have a good time, but grow up and act like a responsible adult. A little self control, please!



That rant being said, there were…

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Added by Paul Combs on March 22, 2011 at 1:14pm — 2 Comments

FDIC - Must Love Dogs

This is not exactly how I wanted to start my blog posts this week, but I just have to share.



I went for a jog last night along Indianapolis' beautiful channel walkway in an attempt to work off the 50 lbs of meatloaf I ate at the Weber Grill. The weather was amazing, there were very few people out and I had the entire path to myself - that is until I met digger (I…

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Added by Paul Combs on March 21, 2011 at 3:30pm — 3 Comments

2011 FDIC



Well, it's that time of year again and I can't wait - packing up today and heading to Indianapolis for FDIC! This will be my tenth trip and it just keeps getting bigger and better. Though my roll has changed from firefighter attendee to Fire Engineering staff, I still take in as many classes as possible and soak up as much knowledge as I can in one short week. It truly…

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Added by Paul Combs on March 19, 2011 at 7:16am — 1 Comment

FDIC and NEW CARTOONS

I will be at FDIC beginning this Sunday through Friday, drawing, meeting, greeting, signing, and most important, learning!

I will also be test driving a new comic while attending called..... well, you'll just have to check back and see:)

This will be much different from the heavy commentary that you're accustomed to - this new…

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Added by Paul Combs on March 17, 2011 at 11:00am — 2 Comments

HYPOCRISY! HYPOCRISY!



 

I'm not sure what else I can say about the current political climate and keep this blog PG rated. I think I'll just let my cartoon say it all.

 

 

To see more of my work, visit:…

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Added by Paul Combs on March 2, 2011 at 10:30pm — 5 Comments

WORTH THE FIGHT

 

You would have to be living in a very deep h*** not to have noticed the vicious pro vs anti-union rhetoric being slung by everyone from politicians to the old lady walking her dog down the block.This is a nasty and dirty line being drawn in the sand, and one that my state of Ohio will face shortly (if not already with SB-5).

I am not a union member,…

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Added by Paul Combs on February 22, 2011 at 1:21pm — 3 Comments

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING" CEMETERY

 

Isn't this job dangerous enough without stupid, childish, and/or irresponsible decisions? Let's not end up here!

 

 

To see more of my work visit: www.artstudioseven.com

 …

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Added by Paul Combs on February 12, 2011 at 3:00pm — 2 Comments

KINKED



Nothing like a little freelancing to muck-up the best intended plans and strategies. It's bad enough when these individuals circumvent the chain of command to "help" where they please, but their blatant disregard for accountability and the safety of others is simply inexcusable!

 

 …

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Added by Paul Combs on January 28, 2011 at 6:58pm — 3 Comments

ENDANGERED SPECIES

 

January's magazine editorial cartoon speaks to any department which relies on volunteers or paid-on-call personnel to protect their district. Quality local jobs are dwindling and people have become less interested in helping their communities to concentrate on second careers, soccer games, and a myriad other distractions. In most cases, they no longer work…

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Added by Paul Combs on January 23, 2011 at 11:02am — 21 Comments

IN THE DOGHOUSE

 

Practical jokes and “ball-busting” have been a part of the firehouse culture for as long as there have been firefighters. It can be fun, it can bring a sense of inclusion and acceptance, it can be a stress-reliever – it’s a healthy part of the firehouse social climate.

Hazing as I define it is…

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Added by Paul Combs on January 12, 2011 at 11:38am — 11 Comments

IS THE CIRCUS IN TOWN?

 

Yes, these are all real life head-lines inspired from this past year! As if public relations wasn't hard enough, we invite this mayhem into our lives and firehouses with our own actions. Trust me, after years in the news industry I can tell you that a head-line speaks volumes towards public perception (after all, who reads or listens to the story, right?).…

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Added by Paul Combs on December 31, 2010 at 9:00am — 4 Comments

DECEMBER MAGAZINE ILLUSTRATION

Leaders: Why should we expect to retain the quality people we have if we don't give them a reason to stay? Your people are your most valued asset - train them, motivate them, and give them the gift of fulfillment that only the fire service can give! If not, then don't be surprised when…

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Added by Paul Combs on December 14, 2010 at 9:30am — 4 Comments

SCROOGED!



As I was reading Dickens' A Christmas Carol last week, it came to me that the lessons learned in this classic tale apply to many facets of life - especially in the fire service. And just as the three ghost that haunted Ebeneezer Scrooge that Christmas Eve opened his eyes to what was, is, and will be, so could they warn… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on December 8, 2010 at 9:58am — 8 Comments

CHOPPED!



Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, everyone!!









To see more of my work or to purchase a print of this illustration, visit:… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on November 19, 2010 at 2:31pm — 4 Comments

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