Chicago Fire Season 14: 5 Major Cast Exits And The New Firefighter Shaking Up Truck 81

The fourteenth season of Chicago Fire has officially kicked off, premiering on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and it has already delivered the seismic shifts in cast and storyline that fans of Firehouse 51 have come to expect. This season, renewed by NBC in May 2025, promised a dramatic overhaul, and the opening episodes, starting with "Kicking Down Doors," immediately plunged the crew into new professional and personal crises.

The biggest story of the season is the massive roster shakeup on Truck 81, which sees two fan-favorite firefighters depart and a mysterious new face join the ranks. The show continues its legacy of balancing high-stakes emergency calls with the deeply personal lives of its characters, but Season 14 is defined by heartbreaking goodbyes and the introduction of a fresh, possibly complicated, dynamic.

Firehouse 51 Roster Shakeup: Full Cast & Character Exits for Season 14

The heart of Chicago Fire has always been its ensemble cast, but the transition into Season 14 marks one of the most significant shifts in years. While core members like Lieutenant Kelly Severide and Captain Christopher Herrmann remain, the departures of two key firefighters and the arrival of a replacement have completely changed the chemistry of the house.

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• Taylor Kinney as Lieutenant Kelly Severide: Expected to return, focusing on his marriage with Stella Kidd and potentially a new personal storyline.
• David Eigenberg as Captain Christopher Herrmann: Expected to return, continuing his role as a veteran leader and mentor.
• Joe Miñoso as Firefighter Joe Cruz: Expected to return, maintaining his role on Squad 3 and his family life.
• Miranda Rae Mayo as Lieutenant Stella Kidd: Expected to return, with a storyline potentially involving arson investigation and her personal life.
• Eamonn Walker as Deputy District Chief Wallace Boden: Expected to return, overseeing Firehouse 51.
• Hanako Greensmith as Paramedic Violet Mikami: Expected to return as the Paramedic in Charge.
• Brandon Larracuente as Firefighter/Engineer Sal Vasquez: NEW CAST MEMBER. Joins Truck 81, replacing Sam Carver.
• Daniel Kyri as Firefighter Darren Ritter: DEPARTING. Left early in Season 14, but with an open-ended exit.
• Jake Lockett as Firefighter Sam Carver: DEPARTING. Took a leave of absence from Firehouse 51.

The most immediate and impactful changes are the sudden exits. Firefighter Sam Carver, who had become a central figure on Truck 81, took a leave of absence from his post. This storyline directly addresses his struggle with alcohol addiction, a battle that had been hinted at throughout the previous season and ultimately led to his temporary departure from the team.

Similarly, the departure of Darren Ritter, who had been with the show since Season 7, was a major shock for fans. Ritter's exit, which occurred in the second episode of Season 14, was a "happy" one, seeing him move to New York to save his relationship. While the narrative provided a clean closure, reports suggested the real-world reason for Daniel Kyri's departure was related to budget cuts, making the storyline a necessary, though bittersweet, farewell.

The Arrival of Sal Vasquez: What We Know About Truck 81’s New Engineer

With the sudden void left by Carver’s leave of absence, Firehouse 51 wasted no time in introducing a new face to the Truck 81 crew: Firefighter and Engineer Salvador "Sal" Vasquez, portrayed by actor Brandon Larracuente.

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Vasquez is not just a direct replacement; he’s set to bring a completely different energy to the house. Early character details suggest that Vasquez is a highly skilled engineer, but his attitude hints at a potentially complicated and mysterious past. Fans should expect the new firefighter to clash with the established veterans, especially Lieutenant Kidd, as he tries to find his footing within the close-knit family of Firehouse 51.

The introduction of Sal Vasquez is a classic Chicago Fire move, using a new character to inject fresh conflict and mystery into a team that has become too comfortable. His presence on Truck 81 will be a primary focus as the season progresses, forcing the remaining members to adapt to a new dynamic while grappling with the loss of their former colleagues.

Major Plot Theories and Storylines to Watch in Season 14

Beyond the immediate cast changes, Season 14 is setting up several high-stakes storylines that will impact the personal and professional lives of the Firehouse 51 crew. The premiere episode, "Kicking Down Doors," was just the beginning of what is expected to be a season full of intense emergency calls and emotional development.

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The Stellaride Foster Storyline

One of the most compelling fan theories revolves around Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd (dubbed "Stellaride"). Following the themes of parenthood and chosen family explored in Season 13, the new season is heavily rumored to feature a foster care storyline.

The theory suggests that Kelly and Stella will take in a teen boy named Isaiah for a short period, potentially for three to six episodes. This temporary fostering would allow the couple to bond with the boy and explore the idea of starting a family, adding a significant layer of personal drama to their already complex marriage. The introduction of a temporary foster child is a powerful way to deal with the themes of loss and legacy that often underpin the *One Chicago* universe.

Kidd’s Arson Investigation and Corporate Corruption

Lieutenant Stella Kidd's professional trajectory is also set to take a dark turn. Having already excelled as a leader, theories suggest that Kidd will uncover a massive web of arson that goes beyond isolated incidents.

This storyline could see Kidd investigating suspicious fires connected to corporate corruption and sabotage, potentially targeting low-income communities. A deep-dive investigation would not only give Kidd a major professional challenge but could also lead to a crossover event with *Chicago P.D.* or *Chicago Med*, a staple of the franchise.

The Fallout from Carver’s Addiction

Sam Carver’s departure due to his alcohol addiction will not simply be forgotten. His leave of absence is expected to have a lasting impact on his close friends and colleagues, particularly Stella Kidd, who had a complex relationship with him.

The season will likely explore the emotional fallout, with other characters dealing with the weight of his struggle and the question of whether he will ever return to the house. This storyline serves as a reminder of the personal battles that even the most heroic first responders face.

Why Chicago Fire Season 14 is a Must-Watch

The fourteenth season of Chicago Fire is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the series. With the departure of long-running characters like Ritter and the introduction of a fresh, potentially divisive figure like Sal Vasquez, the show is actively reinventing its core dynamics.

The combination of high-octane rescue missions, the emotional weight of Carver’s addiction storyline, and the possibility of a "Stellaride" foster child makes Season 14 essential viewing for any fan of the *One Chicago* franchise. The series continues to prove why it remains one of NBC’s top-rated dramas, delivering a perfect blend of action, drama, and the enduring theme of "chosen family" at Firehouse 51.