Paul Combs's Blog (375)

Today marks a time when we as Americans get to shout our collective voice and exercise our right to decide which direction our country, our states, and our region will interpret and execute the laws and issues of the land. No matter your political bent, it is your right, and dare I say duty, to get to your local polling facility and have your say. Many important…

What is scarier, a headless horseman terrorizing a small New York farming village, or knowing that your proud department is ran by a headless leader? In this Halloween season of ghouls, goblins, ghosts, and Lady Gagas, perhaps we should look inward to our own demons and excise those who torment and haunt our hallowed bays. Leadership should be clear, concise, and…

Be afraid... be very afraid if this is your training program! Don't let the complacency monster grow within your agency. Be enthusiastic, be passionate, be creative, be proactive, and train, train, train.

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So, there you are browsing your favorite cat videos and fellow firefighters on Facebook (or, insert your preferred social media site here) when you come across an article or cell phone video where another fire department has had a call go terribly wrong. Cool, you say, as you watch in anticipation for that telling moment when you can judge without knowing all the…

Do you have command presence? Do your people know you are the person in charge, the person who they can turn to in a crisis and know will do everything in your power to produce a successful outcome for them? Do you lead by example and “walk the walk”, or rely on bombastic talk, domineering bully tactics, and a big voice/big stick mentality to prove that you are in…

What will you do when it's your turn to build onto what those who came before us started? Will you make it better? Will you have the courage to say "yes"?



Be the leader and build for the next generation to follow and exceed our progress.

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Honor and remembrance...

Sometimes a little pride has to be swallowed to get the job done!





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The bottom, bottom, bottom line!

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Be safe, be smart, and call for the proper resources when you're over your head!





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June Fire Engineering magazine editorial cartoon: Imperial Leadership.

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May Fire Engineering magazine editorial cartoon: Mental Readiness.

We all bring our personal issues to the firehouse from time to time - that's being human. But when it's a constant distraction and interfering with day to day, safety, or tactical considerations then you've got a problem. Try to leave home at home, and the firehouse at the…

It's that time of year again. Time to greet old friends, meet new ones, learn from the best instructors on the planet, and see what new innovations the fire industry has to offer. Yep, it's FDIC time!



I look forward to this week all year and can't wait to get the show rolling.



However, FDIC has a nightlife too - so, have fun, be safe, be professional,…

Whole lot of Monday Morning Quarterbacking going on around Twitter and Facebook today - typical after an accident or tragedy. Nothing wrong with learning from videos posted online, but keep your social media expert advice to yourself. Move away from the keyboard and show some…

DRAWN BY FIRE Flashback - Because who doesn't love the constant blowing of hot air through a big h*** that never closes!

Can I get an amen?!

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There is absolutely no substitute for continued training, study, and self-improvement - especially in these days of fewer and fewer fires. Experience alone is not enough - open a book, read a trade journal, or better yet, get to the drill grounds and train.

Just because you think you know, doesn't mean you know... you know?

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Simple St. Paddy's Day message... BUCKLE UP!

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Ah, yes, the MacGyver syndrome. Keep it light. Keep it relevant. Keep it practical. Keep It Simple... and just get the job done quickly and efficiently!

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