Episode 56 - Paul Combs — Behind the Shield Podcast with James Geering

Paul Combs is by far the most well known and respected cartoonist in the first responder community. Paul is also a Lieutenant at the City of Bryan FD in Ohio. We talk cartooning, fine art, the power of a picture, PTSD, his favourite drawings and much more.

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 22-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's websites:

https://drawnbyfire.wordpress.com/

http://www.artstudioseven.com/

Instagram: paulcombs7

Facebook: Paul Combs - Drawn By Fire

Recommended books:

Cause for alarm - Bob Patterson

If I understood, would I have this look on my face? - Alan Alden

Hillbilly elegy - J D Vance

Recommended cartoonist:

Bill Mauldin