Chicago Fires New Chief Isnt Who You Expected

Chicago Fires New Chief Isnt Who You Expected

As a long-time admirer of the grit and camaraderie displayed by the brave men and women of Firehouse 51, I must say that the upcoming season 13 of Chicago Fire promises to be an exhilarating ride. The sudden change in leadership, with the arrival of Dom Pascal as the new Battalion Chief, is a dramatic twist that will undoubtedly shake up the dynamic within the firehouse.


In September 25, 2024, when Chicago Fire starts its 13th season on NBC, viewers will encounter a new chief in charge of Firehouse 51 following an unexpected shake-up of the cast that could significantly impact the storyline. Previously, the series concluded in Season 12 with speculation surrounding the departure of long-time Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (played by Eamon Walker) and who would take over his position, with many assuming senior firefighter Christopher Herrmann (portrayed by David Eigenberg) would step up.

In the upcoming Season 13 premiere, as reported by Deadline, Firehouse 51 is set to introduce a new Battalion Fire Chief. However, this change might be temporary and could alter later in the season. Despite the potential fluctuation, this unexpected cast adjustment is anticipated to guide the established TV series towards an intriguing and fresh narrative pathway. For viewers eagerly awaiting Season 13, it’s a chance to familiarize yourself with the new authority figure who will influence Kelly, Joe, Randall, Capp, Matt, Sylvie, and others in their professional endeavors ahead.

What Is Chicago Fire About?

Chicago Fires New Chief Isnt Who You Expected

Hailing from Wolf Entertainment, created by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, “Chicago Fire” is a highly-acclaimed American television series in the medical drama genre that premiered in 2012. The story revolves around a diverse team of firefighters, EMTs, first responders, and law enforcement personnel who tackle various emergencies across Chicago’s crime-prone regions. As the dedicated members of Firehouse 51 navigate through personal and professional challenges, they are united by a strong bond, led by their protective and paternal Fire Chief Boden Wallace, portrayed by Eamon Walker, who always prioritizes the wellbeing of his team.

The series, under Boden’s leadership, primarily revolves around Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer), second-in-command at Firehouse 51, along with Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). Veteran firefighters Christopher Herrmann and Harold Capp (Randy Flagler), a former gangster-turned-firefighter Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso), engine driver Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), and numerous others are also key characters. Over the course of 12 seasons, many characters have perished in the line of duty, saving others, resulting in only a handful of long-standing characters who have appeared in over 100 of the 255 episodes thus far.

Over the course of more than ten years on the fire department, many characters advance in their careers, and this is demonstrated through promotions. To illustrate, in Season 10, Chief Wallace received a promotion to Deputy District Chief – a move that foreshadowed his further advancement three seasons down the line.

Why Former Wallace Boden Left Chicago Fire

Chicago Fires New Chief Isnt Who You Expected

For twelve seasons, Wallace Boden, a highly dedicated leader, oversaw the operations of Firehouse 51, Truck 81, Squad 3, Engine 51, and Ambulance 61. It was only natural that he advanced to Deputy District Chief in Season 10. As his role expanded, it became evident that Wallace’s departure was imminent. Viewers anticipated that Matthew Casey, his second-in-command, would eventually assume the position left by him.

As Matthew unexpectedly relocated to Oregon during Season 10, and Wallace got promoted around the same time, doubts about the leadership at Firehouse 51 started to surface among viewers. Then, in the Season 12 finale titled “Never Say Goodbye,” it was confirmed that Wallace had become the Deputy Commissioner for the Chicago Fire Department. Following this emotional announcement, fans began to anticipate Senior Firefighter Christopher Herrmann as a potential successor to Wallace.

In the role of Deputy Commissioner, Wallace is no longer able to manage Firehouse 51 and its team of professionals, leading to the appointment of a new Fire Chief starting from Season 13 and beyond. As fans tune into the premiere of Season 13, they will be introduced to a fresh character who will take over command of Firehouse 51 in the episodes that follow.

Who Will Be Named the Next Chief in Chicago Fire?

Chicago Fires New Chief Isnt Who You Expected

It has been confirmed that experienced actor Dermot Mulroney will take on the role of Firehouse 51’s new temporary Chief, Dom Pascal, in Chicago Fire. As reported by Deadline, this change may be short-lived, as another fire chief could potentially replace Pascal later in the season. Interestingly, Herrmann is not being named as Wallace’s successor, despite returning for Season 13. The reason behind this decision remains unclear at this time.

Pascal is further described as:

A person who is jovial and handles stress effectively, but has a distinct leadership approach unlike Boden’s. Currently, he maintains a strained relationship with his spouse.

Pascal resumes his role as the chief of the Chicago Fire Department following a decade spent battling blazes in Miami. His cheerful personality stands in stark contrast to Wallace’s tough demeanor, bringing a fresh vibe to Firehouse 51 and potentially revitalizing the series. Although Wallace is leaving as a main character for Season 13, he will make occasional appearances. Currently, auditions are being held to find an actress to portray Pascal’s estranged spouse.

Certainly, Wallace’s departure signifies another poignant farewell to a long-standing character on the show. After Season 10, Casey decreased his screen time and moved to Oregon where he married paramedic Sylvie Britt (Kara Killmer). These heartfelt departures pave the way for new characters to take over the popular series, including Kelly’s brother Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), who was unveiled as a secret sibling in the Season 12 finale.

Despite Dom Pascal taking over as Battalion Chief at Firehouse 51, viewers can take comfort in the fact that Boden Wallace will reappear in a recurring capacity in the popular TV show.

Chicago Fire is available to stream on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.

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2024-09-28 02:31