I NEVER WANT TO FORGET THE FACT THAT I MIGHT BE TOUCHING
SOMEONE ' S LIFE ."
PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL COMBS
I found myself keynoting at the FDIC because of that and there was no logical reason for me to be there .
“ But I think giving myself and my talent to the fire service allows me to be in certain places and to be able to have a particular voice . I ’ m just an ordinary dude out of Ohio , from a small combo department , but I believe in what that cartoon says . I think that ’ s why it resonates the most with me .”
The other drawing that Combs talks about is the third or fourth he ever drew . It was created as a tribute to Francis ( Frank ) L . Brannigan , who died in 2006 and wrote the fire service ’ s bible on building construction .
“ Like a lot of firefighters , I grew up reading and studying his work . It was ‘ the word ’ at the time , in the mid- ’ 90s . When he passed away , I felt I needed to do something to memorialize him and what he meant to the fire service . So I drew a cartoon of two angels talking in heaven , listening to Francis Brannigan hosting a class on construction . I put that on firehouse . com and the next day one of his sons reached out and requested multiple copies .”
Weeks later Combs got a copy of the cartoon back , signed by every member of the Brannigan family , as well as a note from Brannigan ’ s wife . It ’ s the only one he has ever framed and it hangs over his drawing board for a reason .
“ I never want to forget the fact that I might be touching someone ' s life ,” says Combs . “ I don ’ t want to dwell on the fact that I could be making a difference , but I never want to take for granted that something I do could touch someone ’ s life . I keep this on my wall for that reason . It ’ s a reminder to me not just to stay humble , but to understand that there ’ s a certain gravity that comes with this and a responsibility as well .”
Another cartoon that resonates with Combs is the first one he did about suicide . It took nearly a year of experimenting with sketches before he came up with what he wanted to say .
He then talks chillingly about a fellow first responder who was suffering and thinking about suicide and asked for help by simply showing his cartoon to a co-worker .
“ That ’ s my lieutenant saving lives . And he is still saving lives through me , through a cartoon . I never want to underestimate the importance and impact my work can have .”
A concert pianist can play all the notes and Combs wants to be sure he can always deliver different topics and tones . Artists often take things deeper because pain runs deep , as does sorrow and even happiness . Combs believes that a cartoon with the fewest words is the best .
Although Combs ' work journey has been singular , he hasn ’ t lived his life solo – something for which he is thankful . And the creative gene didn ’ t fall far from the tree given that his daughter , a professional photographer , was a collaborator in one of Combs ’ most treasured drawings .
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