“People will come and go.”
When Chief Wallace Boden spoke those words at the start of Season 12, few could have predicted just how true they would ring. As Chicago Fire headed into its thirteenth season, viewers witnessed a major turning point: the departure of the firehouse’s longtime leader. Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker, Cadillac Records) accepted a promotion to Deputy Commissioner, leaving Firehouse 51 to find its footing without the guiding presence they had leaned on for over a decade.
Season 13 introduced a fresh chapter with the arrival of Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney, Shameless), whose leadership style immediately shook up the established dynamics at 51. It was a season filled with dramatic highs and painful lows—centered on themes of loss, healing, teamwork, and the bonds that make a firehouse a family.
There were several uplifting moments: Herrmann earned a well-deserved promotion to Captain, Mouch successfully passed the lieutenant’s exam, and Stellaride—Lieutenants Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide—were approved as adoptive parents. But none of the season’s joys were untouched by sorrow. One of the most heartbreaking moments came with the tragic loss of Monica Pascal, the wife of the newly appointed chief. While on her way to meet Pascal for their anniversary dinner, Monica was involved in a serious car crash. Firehouse 51 was dispatched to the scene, only to find her unresponsive. Despite their best efforts, Monica passed away from her injuries.
In a gut-wrenching sequence, it was Mouch who had to call Pascal while he waited at the restaurant, and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) who ultimately delivered the news at the hospital. With a single look, Pascal understood his world had changed forever. Violet’s empathy ran deep—she had once stood in the same place, powerless to save someone she loved. Yet, as always, Firehouse 51 stood united in the face of tragedy. They surrounded Pascal with compassion and solidarity, reminding viewers that no one at 51 grieves alone.
One of the emotional pillars of the series continues to be the relationship between Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd—known by fans as “Stellaride.” Their journey has unfolded over multiple seasons, filled with setbacks and growth, making their bond all the more meaningful. Season 13 peeled back another layer of Stella’s character, exploring her reluctance to get pregnant after witnessing her aunt’s struggle with postpartum depression. Instead, she suggested adoption—and Kelly, supportive as ever, embraced the idea.
Though Chicago Fire has depicted adoption before—such as with Gabriela Dawson and Matt Casey—Stella and Kelly’s path felt distinctly personal. Unfortunately, their dream was short-lived. After being matched with a birth mother, the couple raced to the hospital, only to find out she had decided to keep the baby. The heartbreak was palpable, but so was their quiet resilience. Hand in hand, they walked out of the hospital, grief-stricken yet unshaken—demonstrating the strength of a love forged through adversity.
Looking ahead to Season 14, the show is poised to further explore the emotional toll of first responder life on relationships and family planning. In a poignant scene late in the season, Stella opened up to Boden about her fears—no matter how many times she watches Kelly charge into danger, it never gets any easier. That ongoing anxiety could shape her choices as a wife, lieutenant, and—possibly—future mother.
Season 13 will also mark the departure of two beloved characters: Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett). Both firefighters brought meaningful storylines and heart to the series, and their exits will leave a lasting impact—not just on fans, but on the crew at 51. Chief Boden’s brief return in Episode 18 was a powerful reminder of the legacy he’s built and the one that continues to evolve through the team he mentored.
As he once said, “Anyone who is a part of 51, will always be a part of 51.” That truth remains, even as the firehouse looks toward a future filled with both uncertainty and hope.
