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Paul Combs's Blog (375)

MAY MAGAZINE ILLUSTRATION

...and just in time for all those summer wildfires, too. I am truly amazed every year as I watch reports from the network news drama-mill about folks who refuse to leave homes and property threatened by wildfires. Understanding that every home is a man's castle and we'd all fight to keep ours, it's comments like "I'm can… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on May 12, 2010 at 2:00pm — 1 Comment

WHO'S SERVING WHO?

Ahhh, the stench of May elections is in the air and I just couldn't resist pulling out my ol' political cartoon pens to take a stab at our "helpful" elected officials - with an obvious fire service twist, of course. This cartoon expresses two points; the first being that our elected public servants tend to steer the… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on May 3, 2010 at 3:13pm — 5 Comments

APRIL MAGAZINE ILLUSTRATION

If you attended this year's FDIC, please take what you've learned and share it! It's what FDIC is all about.

Added by Paul Combs on April 27, 2010 at 8:52am — No Comments

RICCI KEYNOTE ILLUSTRATIONS

Above are the two illustrations used in Lt. Frank Ricci's passionate Thursday keynote address. If you didn't catch it, please go to the FDIC… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 25, 2010 at 6:19pm — 5 Comments

THURSDAY and FRIDAY POST

I didn't, but should have... Especially when a Brother from Australia ran the 3.1 mile course in a kangaroo outfit, with a stuffed Joey in his pouch (that took a real man) - but I chickened out and ran in plain running gear. It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day for the 5k, and the scenery was just as inspiring. I didn't… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 23, 2010 at 7:12am — 1 Comment

WEDNESDAY FDIC POST

Those fortunate enough to have attended at least one FDIC knows how special the opening ceremony is. Personally, it gives me the chance to meticulously put on my Class A, making sure that every button is placed correctly and polished to a perfect shine. Not because it may impress some prominent chief, or wow some of… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 21, 2010 at 4:11pm — 1 Comment

TUESDAY FDIC POST

It's Tuesday and the last of FDIC's H.O.T. classes are wrapping up. Many folks come down for the classroom sessions only, but if you ever get the chance attend the full week - you will never regret it.

I began today by "trying" to keep up with my boss, Chief Bobby Halton, as we dropped by a couple of training sessions. The classes were in full gear and I found myself listening in on the instructors within their respective groups. Always a student, I suppose. It was unfortunate my… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 20, 2010 at 3:23pm — No Comments

MONDAY FDIC POST

I have been attending FDIC since 1998 and I must say, it's only getting better. Over the course of this week, I will be posting sketches and sharing some of what I see as the greatest gathering of Fire Service minds in the world. On a technical note: Please do not hold these sketches to the same artistic standard that I… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 19, 2010 at 3:01pm — 1 Comment

FDIC

I'll be at FDIC in Indianapolis all next week sketching, talking, blogging, shaking hands, and signing autographs (and hopefully learning, too). I will also be signing complimentary, limited edition, anniversary prints at the Fire Engineering booth. As soon as I know specific dates and times, I'll post them… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 13, 2010 at 8:41am — 6 Comments

THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER!

On the eve of next month’s ICC Code hearing in Dallas, it seemed only appropriate to opine about our continuing fight for residential sprinklers in ALL new homes. The National Assoc. of Home Builders (NAHB) has been working hard to undermine the ICC’s earlier ruling (BIG money talks, folks) and we must show up in force to reaffirm our hard earned success in Minneapolis and Baltimore. If you are not familiar with this very important issue, please… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 6, 2010 at 10:21am — 1 Comment

Why?

It's a simple question, really - what would you miss out on if you unexpectedly died? There's no doubt, whether you're career or volunteer, that this is a dangerous profession - and the importance of seatbelts is not a new philosophy. But year after year we read the latest LODD report about yet another Brother or Sister being lost to this asinine complacency! I don't get it! We train on flashover, we train on orientation, we train on tactics,… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on March 22, 2010 at 1:30pm — 1 Comment

Valuable Asset

I am a sucker for old war stories. Just begin any sentence with “well in my day...”, and I’m hooked like a kid in a toy store. These stories do more than just relive a nostalgic time and event, they educate and provide valuable information about structures, fire, tactics, and of course the character of the men that came before us. Our retirees have much more to offer than the occasional parade march or annual fireman’s ball fodder. Let them know… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on March 20, 2010 at 6:30pm — 8 Comments

Spot The Future Politician Game

Sometimes I'm just overcome by fits of silliness, and of course, it's always fun to prod the politicians.

Added by Paul Combs on March 15, 2010 at 6:00pm — 2 Comments

Empty Well

Added by Paul Combs on March 1, 2010 at 7:00pm — 9 Comments

Crash Dummy Logic

Added by Paul Combs on February 25, 2010 at 7:00pm — No Comments

Monday Morning QBs

Just curious, how many of you can relate to my latest editorial illustration? My guess is many of you have experienced this beat-down, or have at least witnessed it first hand. I'd love to hear your stories...

Added by Paul Combs on February 17, 2010 at 4:30pm — 4 Comments

Domino Effect

Added by Paul Combs on February 15, 2010 at 7:00pm — No Comments

Blockhead Mentality

Added by Paul Combs on January 22, 2010 at 7:00pm — No Comments

Heavy Responsibilty

Added by Paul Combs on January 12, 2010 at 7:00pm — No Comments

What's In Your Trash?

We've all seen the ever present Capital One commercials with their famous "what's in your wallet?" catch-line. Some are cute, most are just annoying, but while sketching in front of the TV one evening, it sparked a commentary twist.

I wanted to create something for the Holidays and tie in a New Year's resolution for this particular post, so I began thinking about what I may want to change for the upcoming year. I want to spend more… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on January 12, 2010 at 9:00am — 1 Comment

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