The Massive Firehouse 51 Shake-Up: Every Major Chicago Fire Cast Change For Seasons 13 & 14

The cast of Chicago Fire is undergoing one of the most significant shake-ups in the show's history, with Firehouse 51 seeing a dramatic roster change from the end of Season 12 through the recently premiered Season 13 and into the anticipated Season 14. As of today, December 18, 2025, several fan-favorite characters have exited the series, while new, high-profile actors have joined the ensemble to fill the voids left by these major departures. This comprehensive guide breaks down every key actor leaving, the new faces arriving, and the pivotal roles they will play in the ever-evolving One Chicago universe.

The long-running NBC drama, a cornerstone of the Dick Wolf franchise, continues to reinvent itself by moving beloved characters into new career paths or sending them off for personal reasons, ensuring the emotional stakes for the remaining crew members like Lieutenant Kelly Severide and Lieutenant Stella Kidd remain incredibly high.

Key Cast Departures and New Arrivals: A Biographical Look

The past year has been a revolving door for the main cast, with several core actors choosing to step away from their series regular roles. Here is a look at the key players involved in the massive cast shift, including the new faces joining the ranks of Firehouse 51.

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Departing and Transitioning Stars

• Eamonn Walker (Chief Wallace Boden)
  • Role: Chief Wallace Boden, the commanding officer of Firehouse 51.
  • Departure Status: Stepped away as a series regular at the end of Season 12.
  • Birth Date: June 12, 1962 (London, England).
  • Career Highlights: A British actor known for his depth and commanding presence, major roles include Kareem Said in the HBO series Oz, and his extensive stage work, including a 1997 Olivier Award for his performance in Othello.
• Kara Killmer (Paramedic Sylvie Brett)
  • Role: Paramedic in Charge, Sylvie Brett, on Ambulance 61.
  • Departure Status: Exited during Season 12 in a highly emotional send-off.
  • Birth Date: June 14, 1988 (Texas, USA).
  • Career Highlights: Best known for her decade-long run as Sylvie Brett on Chicago Fire, she also starred in the short-lived series Saints & Sinners and the TV movie Horizon.
• Daniel Kyri (Firefighter Darren Ritter)
  • Role: Firefighter Darren Ritter on Engine 51.
  • Departure Status: Announced his exit following the conclusion of Season 13.
  • Birth Date: October 10, 1995 (Chicago, USA).
  • Career Highlights: A Chicago native, Kyri is also a talented playwright and stage actor, with previous credits including the Freeform series The Thing About Harry and extensive work in the Chicago theater scene.
• Jake Lockett (Firefighter Sam Carver)
  • Role: Firefighter Sam Carver on Truck 81.
  • Departure Status: Confirmed to be leaving the series following Season 13.
  • Career Highlights: Known for his work in both television and film, including the series The Rookie and NCIS: Los Angeles before joining the One Chicago franchise.

New and Promoted Stars

• Dermot Mulroney (Battalion Chief Dom Pascal)
  • Role: The new Battalion Chief, Dom Pascal, replacing Boden.
  • Arrival Status: Joined as a series regular in the Season 13 premiere.
  • Birth Date: October 31, 1963 (Alexandria, Virginia, USA).
  • Career Highlights: A veteran actor famous for his roles in romantic comedies like My Best Friend’s Wedding, dramas such as August: Osage County, and the TV series Friends (as Gavin Mitchell).
• Jocelyn Hudon (Paramedic Lyla Novak)
  • Role: Paramedic on Ambulance 61.
  • Arrival Status: Promoted to a series regular for Season 13 after a recurring role in Season 12.
  • Career Highlights: Canadian actress known for roles in Hallmark and Lifetime movies, and the series When Calls the Heart.
• Brandon Larracuente (Firefighter Sal Vasquez)
  • Role: New firefighter joining Truck 81.
  • Arrival Status: Cast as a new series regular for the upcoming Season 14.
  • Career Highlights: Known for his roles in Netflix's 13 Reasons Why and the Freeform series Party of Five.

The Emotional Exits: Why Major Characters Left Firehouse 51

The departures of long-standing characters like Chief Boden and Sylvie Brett have fundamentally shifted the dynamic of Firehouse 51. These exits were handled with emotional gravitas, providing closure for their storylines while setting up new arcs for the remaining crew.

Eamonn Walker's Transition (Chief Wallace Boden)

Eamonn Walker, who portrayed the respected and immovable Chief Wallace Boden for twelve seasons, stepped back from his role as a series regular at the close of Season 12.

The character’s exit was explained by a significant career promotion: Boden accepted the role of Deputy Fire Commissioner for the CFD.

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This move was a mutual agreement, allowing Walker to reduce his demanding schedule after over a decade on the show.

However, the door remains open for the beloved actor, as he has already made a return to the series, demonstrating his importance to the show's legacy and the One Chicago world.

Kara Killmer’s Farewell (Sylvie Brett)

Kara Killmer’s exit as Paramedic Sylvie Brett during Season 12 was one of the most anticipated and emotional events of the season.

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Her character's storyline culminated in her marriage to Matt Casey (played by original cast member Jesse Spencer), who had previously moved to Oregon.

The on-screen reason for her departure was to move to Portland and join her new husband, providing a satisfying, full-circle ending for the couple known as "Brettsey."

Killmer joined the show in Season 3 and quickly became a central figure, making her farewell a significant loss for Ambulance 61 and the entire Firehouse 51 family.

The Next Generation: New Faces and Promotions for Season 13 & 14

To fill the substantial vacancies, particularly on Truck 81 and in the Battalion Chief's office, Chicago Fire has brought in new talent and promoted a key recurring actress, signaling a new era for the long-running procedural drama.

Dermot Mulroney as Battalion Chief Dom Pascal

The biggest new casting news is the addition of veteran actor Dermot Mulroney, who steps into the pivotal role of Battalion Chief Dom Pascal in Season 13.

Pascal is the new commanding officer for Firehouse 51, a role that comes with immense pressure as he replaces the legendary Chief Boden.

Mulroney's character is expected to bring a different leadership style to the house, potentially creating friction and new dynamics within the established hierarchy, especially with Lieutenant Severide and Lieutenant Herrmann.

Jocelyn Hudon's Promotion to Series Regular

The Paramedic in Charge void left by Sylvie Brett's exit is being addressed by the promotion of Jocelyn Hudon, who plays Paramedic Lyla Novak.

Novak was introduced in Season 12 and quickly proved her mettle on Ambulance 61. Her promotion to series regular status ensures that the paramedic side of the house will remain a strong focus of the show.

The Truck 81 Roster Shake-Up

The end of Season 13 saw a trio of departures that will dramatically impact Truck 81 and Engine 51. The exits of Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver), along with the earlier departure of Alberto Rosende (Blake Gallo) in Season 12, means that the younger generation of firefighters is almost entirely gone.

To address this, the producers have cast Brandon Larracuente as Sal Vasquez, a new firefighter joining the Truck 81 crew for Season 14.

This influx of new blood is critical for the show’s longevity, promising fresh storylines, new rivalries, and a complete re-balancing of the team's internal chemistry.

The Future of Firehouse 51 and the One Chicago Universe

The sheer number of cast changes across Seasons 12, 13, and 14 indicates a deliberate creative decision to refresh the narrative and inject new energy into the long-running series.

While the loss of foundational characters like Boden and Brett is significant, the show is leaning on its remaining core—including Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd, and David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann—to anchor the new storylines.

The introduction of strong new characters like Battalion Chief Pascal and Paramedic Lyla Novak, alongside the incoming firefighter Sal Vasquez, ensures that the dynamic workplace drama of Firehouse 51 will continue to be unpredictable and full of compelling chaos for years to come.