- Paul is a classically trained artist, award-winning illustrator, and firefighter/EMT. That’s right, this unlikely combination has made Paul one of the most compelling and distinctive illustrators in America today. Paul burst onto the scene with a refreshing new style that married classical realism, manic energy, and a zany imagination for caricature. His lavishly detailed illustrations are published worldwide in newspapers, magazines (print and online), and books. His politically charged editorial cartoons are syndicated world-wide by Tribune Media Services/Tribune Content Agency.
In conjunction with his career as an illustrator, Paul is a 24-year veteran of the fire service where he is a Firefighter II, NREMT, HazMat Technician, and Instructor for the City of Bryan Fire Training Academy. He is an FDIC H.O.T. Instructor and presenter, and an adjunct instructor for the Ohio Fire Academy.
Paul Combs – Artist
Illustration and Cartoons by Paul Combs
Paul Combs - Artist 
Pual, all I have to say is wow. You are truley an icon in all firehouses and beyond. Please keep up the great work. Our firehouse looks forward to what you come up with next. Again thanks for drawing what is on all of our minds. One idea can you draw or have you drawn a pic on being too safe. Seems fire service is getting away from our roots, property conservation.
Thanks
Adam Smith
LikeLike
Paul, my name is Ed Brouwer and I am the Chief Instructor for Canwest Fire Services in BC Canada. I also write for the Trainers Corner for our national magazine, “Firefighting In Canada”. We have been trying to promote Mayday Awareness in the Canadian Fire Services, but sadly we still spend more time learning to tie knots. We’ve been challenging firefighters with the question, “Are You Tough Enough To Call A Mayday?” and after seeing your “Are You Brave Enough?” today, I’d like to see what it would entail for us to hire you for a Canadian version? I would love to talk with you about this. Thanks in advance – Ed (250-495-4877)
LikeLike
Mr. Combs,
I just saw your cartoon about “questionable journalism” via police officers. It’s going viral on Facebook around here in Wisconsin. I sent it to my whole department for a bit of a morale boost. It’s refreshing to see that not everyone in journalism thinks we are “racist, militarized, drones”. We’re your newest fans!! Thank you for speaking/drawing the truth.
With admiration,
Lt. Paul Marik
LikeLike
Thanks, Lt! As a firefighter, I tend to protect my brothers and sisters in Blue with my commentary.
LikeLike
hi there from a French student, first let me tell you that i really appreciate your work, those cartoons are really highlighting modern problems and in better way than any text could do it. Secondly i’d like to know your opinion about guns in america ?
LikeLike
Good Morning, Mr. Combs
first I think your drawing are awesome and great. I would like to purchase 3-4 drawings theme “PTSD” Behaviour Health Training for are Fire Ems service. I would like to increase the size of the prints with your permission for training purposes.
Yours sincerely
Stephane Simard
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services
LikeLiked by 1 person
OOPs , my email is stephanesimard@shaw.ca
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Paul, I’m writting from Portugal and I just want to ask you if you make personalized illustrations for sale?? My father is a Airport Firefighter and I want to give him a cool illustration just like the ones you usually do…. Waiting your reply… Regards,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Paul,
Your cartoon, “Criminals for Gun Control,” ran in my paper on Sunday. I found it kind of ironic, because criminals have no better friend than the NRA, looking out for their interests every single day. Particularly surprising coming from a firefighter–you actually believe that society can help people, rather than being nothing more than a war of all against all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As an officer, firefighters make comments about drinking the (Kool-Aid), may give you inspiration for new illustration… Thank you Love your work….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello!! I have been looking for this Illustrations everywhere! I love them. One time I went inside a Cruise Ship and I found these Safety illustrations everywhere, since that day I am searching for the Artist. This are Awesome! Love them!! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Although I am a auxiliary member of a fire department I have never had the privilege until this past weekend to ride in an engine.
As I got into the engine you’re caricature cartoons were flashing in my head to buckle up. This fire department had a Santa run throughout the town and I enjoyed sitting in the back seats of the engine. Seats designed to transport firefighters possibly the most time them sitting in the seat would be about 15 minutes, or run that I was on I was sitting in those seats for almost 4 hours. Was glad to stand up briefly When we pulled over to the side of the road to check the coordinates on where we were going next. I’m buckled the seatbelt and set off more alarm set Fort Knox.
Please continue those wonderful character cartoons about the fire services.
LikeLike