The Firehouse 51 Shake-Up: 5 Major Chicago Fire Cast Changes That Will Define Season 14

The latest cast changes rocking Firehouse 51 are the most dramatic the series has seen in years, marking a pivotal shift for the *One Chicago* flagship show as of December 15, 2025. Following a tumultuous Season 13 that saw the departure of a beloved Chief and several key firefighters, Season 14 is set to introduce fresh faces and new leadership dynamics to fill the massive voids left behind. These exits were driven by a mix of creative choices, actor requests, and, most surprisingly, significant budget cuts across the *Dick Wolf* universe, fundamentally reshaping the Truck 81 and Squad 3 crews. The upcoming season promises to test the remaining mainstays like Lieutenant Kelly Severide and Lieutenant Stella Kidd as they navigate a new normal without some of their longest-serving comrades. Fans are eager to know the full details on who’s out, who’s in, and the true, behind-the-scenes reasons for the massive overhaul at the iconic Chicago Fire Department station.

The New Firehouse 51: Key Actors Joining and Their Character Profiles

The departure of several key players has opened the door for new talent, injecting fresh energy into the ensemble cast. The new additions are stepping into high-pressure roles, particularly on Truck 81, which lost three firefighters in quick succession.

Dermot Mulroney as Battalion Chief Dom Pascal

• Character: Battalion Chief Dom Pascal
• Role: New Battalion Chief, replacing the void left by Wallace Boden’s promotion.
• First Appearance: Season 13 Premiere.

Mulroney, a veteran actor known for his extensive film career, was a major addition to the show in Season 13. He is tasked with bringing a new style of leadership to Firehouse 51, which is a significant change after over a decade under Chief Boden’s paternal guidance.

Dermot Mulroney Biography & Career Highlights:

Born October 31, 1963, in Alexandria, Virginia, Dermot Mulroney is an American actor, musician, and director. He gained early recognition for roles in films like *Young Guns* (1988) and *Career Opportunities* (1991). He is widely celebrated for his lead performances in romantic comedies, most notably *My Best Friend's Wedding* (1997), establishing him as a Hollywood mainstay.

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Brandon Larracuente as Firefighter Sal Vasquez

• Character: Firefighter Salvador "Sal" Vasquez
• Role: New Firefighter on Truck 81.
• Replaces: The position vacated by Jake Lockett’s Sam Carver.

Brandon Larracuente joins the cast for Season 14 as the charming new firefighter, Sal Vasquez, assigned to Truck 81. His arrival is crucial for the team, which was severely short-staffed following the recent exits.

Brandon Larracuente Biography & Career Highlights:

Born November 16, 1994, in Pleasantville, New York, Brandon Larracuente is an American actor who began his career in theater at the age of four. He is best known for his television roles as Ben Rayburn on the Netflix drama *Bloodline* and as Jeff Atkins in the controversial series *13 Reasons Why*.

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Jocelyn Hudon as Paramedic Lyla Novak (Series Regular)

While not entirely new, Jocelyn Hudon, who plays Paramedic Lyla Novak, has been promoted to a series regular for Season 13. This move solidifies her presence on Ambulance 61 and signals a greater focus on her character's storylines within the *Chicago Fire* universe.

The Shocking Exits: The Real Reasons Why Fan-Favorites Left Firehouse 51

Season 13 and the lead-up to Season 14 saw a significant number of departures, many of which were unexpected and deeply felt by the *One Chicago* fanbase. The reasons behind these exits vary, from creative storytelling to major corporate decisions.

1. Eamonn Walker (Chief Wallace Boden)

Chief Boden’s departure was one of the most emotional exits in the show's history, marking the end of an era for Firehouse 51.

• Departure Context: Boden accepted a promotion to CFD Deputy Commissioner in the Season 12 finale, effectively stepping down as the chief of Firehouse 51.
• The Real Reason: After 12 years as a series regular, actor Eamonn Walker expressed a desire to step back from the demanding commitment of the show to pursue other creative opportunities and spend more time on personal and family matters. The promotion was a narrative device that provided an honorable, open-ended exit, allowing for potential guest appearances in the future.

2. Daniel Kyri (Firefighter Darren Ritter) and 3. Jake Lockett (Firefighter Sam Carver)

The simultaneous exits of two popular, newer firefighters—Darren Ritter and Sam Carver—were the most controversial and surprising changes.

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• Departure Context: Both characters were written off at the end of Season 13, with Ritter returning for a limited run in Season 14.
• The Real Reason: The showrunner confirmed that the departures of Kyri and Lockett were "purely practical in nature" and were not primarily creative decisions. They were reportedly part of widespread "budget cuts" across *Wolf Entertainment*'s shows on NBC. Jake Lockett's public statement following the news suggested that leaving the show was not his decision, further supporting the budget-related speculation.

4. Michael Bradway (Firefighter Jake Gibson)

Michael Bradway's character, Jake Gibson, had a short but impactful run on Truck 81.

• Departure Context: Gibson quit the CFD and sought treatment for drug addiction in Season 13, Episode 8.
• The Real Reason: This was a clear, planned creative arc. The character's sudden introduction and dramatic exit were designed to highlight the intense mental health struggles and addiction issues that can affect first responders.

What This Means for Chicago Fire Season 14 and the One Chicago Future

The major cast shake-up signals a new creative direction for *Chicago Fire*. The show is known for its ability to evolve, having successfully navigated the departures of original cast members like Jesse Spencer (Matt Casey) and Monica Raymund (Gabriele Dawson). The loss of Chief Boden and the subsequent arrival of Battalion Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) means the internal dynamics of Firehouse 51 will shift dramatically. The leadership style will be different, forcing the remaining veterans, including Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann and Joe Minoso's Joe Cruz, to adapt to a new command structure. Furthermore, the introduction of Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente) on Truck 81 will allow the writers to explore new partner dynamics with Lieutenant Stella Kidd. The show’s commitment to rotating cast members, though often painful for fans, is a core part of the *One Chicago* franchise strategy, ensuring the narrative remains fresh and unpredictable. The confirmed limited return of Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter in Season 14 also offers a bittersweet opportunity for the character to receive a more definitive, satisfying send-off for his seven-year run.