The departures of Carver and Ritter will change Firehouse 51 forever
Season 14 of Chicago Fire is gearing up to be one of the most emotional seasons in the showâs history. With the expected exits of both Blake Gallo and Darren Ritter, fans are bracing for a major shift in the dynamic of Firehouse 51.
Why these exits hit differently

Unlike other cast departures in earlier seasons, both Carver (Jake Lockett) and Ritter (Daniel Kyri) have built meaningful bonds with fans. Carverâs redemption arc and Ritterâs quiet leadership gave viewers a deeper emotional connection than some may have realized. Losing both in a single season feels like ripping away the heart and soul of the truck and engine teams.
Whatâs next for Firehouse 51?
The show may introduce fresh recruits to fill the gap, but these won’t be quick fixes. There’s history, chemistry, and shared trauma that can’t be replaced overnight. Fans can expect some storylines centered around mentorship, grief, and the evolution of the firehouseâs leadership.