Firehouse 51 is facing some major changes as Chicago Fire heads into its highly anticipated Season 14. After an explosive Season 13 finale and a heartbreaking premiere, NBC’s flagship One Chicago drama is shaking up its cast in a big way — with three exits confirmed, a new firefighter joining the team, and one surprise fan-favorite returning to the fold.
Here’s everything we know so far about who’s staying, who’s leaving, and who’s suiting up for duty when Chicago Fire returns.
🚒 Returning Favorites at Firehouse 51
Christian Stolte (Randall “Mouch” McHolland) — RETURNING
A veteran of Firehouse 51 since Season 1, Christian Stolte continues his run as Randy “Mouch” McHolland, the crew’s resident union rep and comic relief. After being promoted to Lieutenant in Season 13, Mouch is embracing new responsibilities while maintaining his role as the firehouse’s voice of reason. Expect him to face new leadership challenges — and maybe a few classic Mouch-style blunders — in Season 14.
Jocelyn Hudon (Paramedic Lizzie Novak) — RETURNING
Introduced in Season 12 and promoted to a main role in Season 13, Lizzie Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) has quickly become one of Firehouse 51’s most dynamic additions. With her mischievous humor, fearless dedication, and growing partnership with Violet Mikami, Novak will remain a central player this season. Expect more chaotic calls — and plenty of laughs — from Ambulance 61.
Joe Minoso (Joe Cruz) — RETURNING
Fan-favorite Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) isn’t going anywhere. Having been part of the cast since Season 1, Cruz continues to anchor Squad 3, balancing fatherhood and firefighting with the same heart he’s always shown. His steady presence offers much-needed stability amid the firehouse shake-ups.
David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann) — RETURNING
After a rollercoaster of promotions and demotions, Herrmann is back on the line where he belongs. Having voluntarily stepped down from Captain to firefighter in Season 13, he’s rediscovering his roots at Engine 51. With Molly’s Bar still thriving and his mentoring spirit intact, expect Herrmann to continue serving as Firehouse 51’s father figure.
Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide) — RETURNING
Despite fan concerns after Taylor Kinney’s brief hiatus in 2023, Lieutenant Kelly Severide is confirmed to return full-time for Season 14. The Rescue Squad leader will navigate both professional tensions with newcomer Sal Vasquez and personal milestones as Stellaride prepares to welcome their first child — a storyline already being hailed as one of the season’s emotional highlights.
Dermot Mulroney (Chief Dominic “Dom” Pascal) — RETURNING
Dermot Mulroney joined the cast in Season 13 as Battalion Chief Dom Pascal, replacing Chief Boden in Firehouse 51’s chain of command. Known for his dark humor and no-nonsense leadership style, Pascal brings a fresh, edgier energy to the firehouse. Expect him to continue carving out his authority — while navigating the fallout from his wife’s tragic death in last season’s finale.
🔥 New Arrival
Brandon Larracuente (Firefighter Sal Vasquez) — NEW SERIES REGULAR
After recurring in Season 13, Brandon Larracuente has been promoted to series regular as Firefighter Sal Vasquez. Ambitious, confident, and occasionally hot-headed, Vasquez’s drive to prove himself creates early tension with Severide. The 13 Reasons Why and Bloodline alum told TV Insider, “Sal wants to be the best and protect the people around him — but he’s not afraid to challenge authority.”
Fans can expect Vasquez to be at the center of Firehouse 51’s most daring rescues — and a few fiery confrontations.
💔 Departures
Michael Bradway (Jack Damon) — LEAVING
Michael Bradway, who portrayed Jack Damon, Severide’s half-brother, has officially exited the series. The actor is filming Every Summer After for Prime Video, making his return unlikely. Damon’s storyline — tied to internal CFD restructuring — provided a natural send-off, though producers say they’d “love to have him back if schedules align.”
Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) — ON HIATUS
After a heartfelt farewell in Season 14, Episode 2, Ritter took a furlough to care for his injured ex-boyfriend, Dwayne, in New York. While not a full exit, his temporary departure leaves the door open for a possible return later this season. Showrunner Andrea Newman teased, “We hope to see Ritter again — this isn’t goodbye.”
Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) — EXITED
Following his emotional Season 13 send-off, Jake Lockett confirmed he would not return as Sam Carver. His character transferred to the Denver Fire Department, leaving behind a bittersweet goodbye with Violet Mikami. Still, fans remain hopeful for a guest appearance down the line.
🎉 Surprise Return (Spoiler Alert!)
While NBC hasn’t made an official announcement, insider chatter hints at a surprise return from Kara Killmer (Sylvie Brett) for a guest arc later this season. After her emotional wedding to Matt Casey in Season 12, Brett left the CFD — but fans might see her back in Chicago for one final cameo tied to a major Firehouse 51 event.
🚨 Final Thoughts
With three beloved cast members gone, a fiery new recruit, and rumors of a surprise comeback, Chicago Fire Season 14 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative in the show’s history.
The stakes are higher, the emotions deeper, and Firehouse 51 is once again proving why it’s the beating heart of the One Chicago universe.
