Paul Combs's Blog (375)

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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:…

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,…

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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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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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…

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…

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?).…

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…