When Chicago Fire debuts its 13th season on NBC on September 25, 2024, fans will meet a new chief leading Firehouse 51 in a sudden dramatic cast overhaul bound to bear serious narrative consequences. When the show left off in Season 12, all eyes turned to longtime Battalion Chief Wallace Boden's (Eammon Walker) departure and his potential replacement, with most believing senior firefighter Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) would assume the mantle.
According to Deadline, Firehouse 51 will appoint a new Battalion Fire Chief during the Season 13 premiere, although the move could be temporary and is subject to change later in the season. Regardless, the abrupt cast shakeup promises to steer the long-running TV procedural into an exciting new direction. For those planning on tuning in to the Season 13 premiere, it's time to meet who Kelly, Joe, Randall, Capp, Matt, Sylvie, and others will take professional cues from moving forward.
What Is Chicago Fire About?
NBC
Created by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt for Wolf Entertainment, Chicago Fire is a popular American procedural medical drama that debuted in 2012. The premise concerns a large unit of firefighters, EMTs, first responders, and law enforcement professionals responding to wide-ranging emergencies in the crime-ridden Chicago area. As dedicated men and women in Chicago's Firehouse 51 navigate personal and professional ups and downs, a familial bond is led by the unit's paternal Fire Chief, Boden Wallace (Eammon Walker), a loving captain who protects his employees at all costs.
Under Boden's supervision, the show focuses on his second-in-command, Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer), as well as Firehouse 51 Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), longtime veterans Christopher Herrmann and Harold Capp (Randy Flagler), reformed gangster-turned-firefighter Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso), engine driver Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), and many more. Over 12 seasons and counting, several characters die, sacrificing their lives to save others, leaving just a few long-running characters who appear in more than 100 of the 255 episodes on record.
In keeping with the reality of working in a fire department for over a decade, several characters also enjoy professional promotions. For example, in Season 10, Chief Wallace was promoted to Deputy District Chief, a sign of things to come three seasons later.
Why Former Wallace Boden Left Chicago Fire
NBC
From Chicago Fire Seasons 1-12, Chief Wallace Boden directed the operations of Batallion 25, Firehouse 51, Truck 81, Squad 3, Engine 51, and Ambulance 61. A deeply dedicated leader who risked his profession to protect his employees time and again, it's no surprise that Wallace was promoted to Deputy District Chief in Season 10. With newfound responsibilities, Wallace's exit was written on the wall in the following seasons, with viewers expecting Wallace's second-in-command, Matthew Casey, eventually taking his place.
Alas, when Matthew suddenly moved to Oregon in Season 10, around the same time Wallace was promoted, uncertainty regarding Firehouse 51's leadership began to creep into viewers' minds. Two years later, in the Season 12 finale, "Never Say Goodbye," Wallace was officially appointed the Chicago Fire Department's Deputy Commissioner. Once the tearful announcement was made, fans shifted their expectations away from Matthew toward Senior Firefighter Christopher Herrmann, who many assumed would be named Wallace's successor.
As Deputy Commissioner, Wallace can no longer oversee Firehouse 51 and its various professionals, necessitating a new Fire Chief in Season 13 and beyond. When fans watch the Season 13 premiere, they will meet a brand-new character set to lead Firehouse 51 in the future.
Who Will Be Named the Next Chief in Chicago Fire?
NBC
Without further suspense, longtime movie and TV veteran Dermot Mulroney will play Dom Pascal, Firehouse 51's new Chief in Chicago Fire. According to Deadline, the move could be temporary, meaning Pascal might be a placeholder for another appointed fire chief later in the season. The publication also notes there is no explanation for Herrmann failing to be named as Wallace's successor, although the character is slated to return for Season 13.
Pascal is further described as:
"A cheerful person who works well under pressure, and whose leadership style differs from Boden’s. He and his wife are estranged."
Pascal is also described as beginning his career in the Chicago Fire Department, where he returns as the new chief after 10 years fighting fires in Miami. Having a much sunnier disposition than the hard-nosed Wallace will shake up the dynamic inside Firehouse 51, perhaps giving the show a much-needed energy infusion. While Wallace is set to depart as a series regular, he will return as a recurring character in Season 13. Meanwhile, casting for Pascal's separated wife is now underway.
Of course, Wallace's departure marks another significant goodbye to a series stalwart. Casey reduced his role to a recurring character after Season 10, moving to Oregon and marrying paramedic Sylvie Britt (Kara Killmer). The emotional exits open the door for new characters to carry the popular drama, including Kelly's secret brother Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), who was revealed in the Season 12 finale.
Although Dom Pascal will lead Firehouse 51 as the new Battalion Chief, fans can rest easy knowing Boden Wallace will return in a recurring future role in the hit TV procedural.
Chicago Fire is available to stream on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.
