👑 ‘Going to Miss the Hell Out of That’: Jake Lockett Shares Touching Tribute as He Leaves Chicago Fire

For Chicago Fire fans, goodbyes are nothing new. Characters come and go, storylines twist and turn, and firehouse rosters shift as much as the flames they fight. But every once in a while, a departure hits harder than expected—and Jake Lockett’s exit as Sam Carver is one of those moments.

After multiple seasons as the brash yet redeemable firefighter Carver, Lockett officially bid farewell to Chicago Fire, leaving behind not just his character—but a legacy of grit, growth, and heart.

A Role That Went from Temporary to Essential

Jake Lockett joined Chicago Fire in Season 11 as Sam Carver, a tough exterior firefighter with a complicated past and a chip on his shoulder. At first, Carver felt like a temporary fix—a replacement for vacant boots at Firehouse 51. But as the seasons progressed, viewers saw more than just a hot-headed rookie. Carver became family.

From chaotic calls to tense locker room showdowns, Carver’s arc was never predictable. He clashed with Kidd, challenged Boden, and earned the trust of Hermann. He was deeply flawed but deeply human—exactly the kind of character Chicago Fire does best.

And that’s why Lockett’s sudden departure in Season 14 feels personal.

Jake Lockett’s Emotional Farewell

On August 5, Jake Lockett broke his silence on social media with a post that hit fans right in the gut:

“Gonna miss the hell out of that firehouse.”
“This cast, this crew, this city… You’ve all given me more than I could’ve ever asked for.”

The post, accompanied by behind-the-scenes photos of his time on set, wasn’t just a goodbye. It was a love letter to a chapter he clearly didn’t want to close.

Lockett added:

“To the fans who gave Carver a chance—even when he didn’t deserve it—thank you. I felt the love, always.”

Firehouse 51 Feels the Loss

Within hours, his castmates responded with an outpouring of support.

• Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd) commented, “You made us better. Every day. Love you, Carver.”

• David Eigenberg (Hermann) posted a heart emoji and flame, writing, “One of the good ones.”

• Even Taylor Kinney, who’s returned as Severide this season, shared a throwback shot with the caption: “Big loss. See you at Molly’s, brother.”

The Chicago Fire official Instagram followed up with a tribute reel to Carver, reminding fans of his pivotal scenes—from heated arguments to heroic rescues.

What Carver Represented

Sam Carver was far from perfect. He made impulsive choices. He had a temper. He wasn’t always the guy you wanted beside you in a tight hallway.

But what Carver brought to Chicago Fire was growth. He showed that redemption isn’t instant, and healing takes time. His dynamic with Kidd evolved from hostile to respectful. His understanding of teamwork deepened. He even began opening up emotionally—a big shift for a man who started out emotionally closed off.

Carver reminded us that being part of a team like Firehouse 51 means learning, stumbling, and standing up again.

Will We See Carver Again?

NBC hasn’t confirmed whether Jake Lockett’s exit is permanent or if a guest appearance could happen in the future. The show has a history of bringing back fan favorites—sometimes for cameos, sometimes for full arcs.

And with Season 14 introducing new challenges, including a reshuffling of the team, fans are hopeful Carver’s name might pop up again—especially during high-stakes episodes or possible crossovers.

Fans React: “He Grew On Us Fast”

The fan reaction has been swift and emotional. Under Lockett’s post, fans flooded the comments:

• “Didn’t think I’d like Carver at first. Ended up loving him. You’ll be missed!”

• “You were the perfect chaotic energy for 51. This one hurts.”

• “Wish we got more time to see Carver’s softer side. You were just getting started.”

On Reddit, one user wrote, “His arc had so much left to give. I hope they don’t just brush him off with a single line.” Another added, “Jake Lockett gave that role life. He made Carver matter.”

What’s Next for Jake Lockett?

While Lockett hasn’t announced his next project, industry insiders suggest he’s already lining up his next role—possibly a lead in a limited drama series or streaming thriller. With his combination of physicality and emotional depth, Lockett is primed for more complex, layered characters.

No matter where he goes next, it’s clear that Chicago Fire was more than just another credit on his resume—it was a turning point.

A Final Toast at Molly’s?

If Chicago Fire has taught us anything, it’s that no one ever truly leaves the firehouse for good. Whether it’s Casey dropping by or Brett returning for a final sendoff, the door is never fully closed.

So maybe—just maybe—we’ll see Carver again. One last toast at Molly’s. One final rescue. One more time in 51 gear.

Until then, all we can say is:
Jake, you’re going to be missed. The hell out of it.