When Chicago Fire wrapped up its Season 12 finale, many fans were already celebrating what seemed like the next big chapter for Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg). With Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) stepping down as a series regular to pursue a higher office, he publicly voiced his support for Herrmann as the man to take over Engine 51. After more than a decade of watching Herrmann’s mix of street smarts, loyalty, and heart-on-his-sleeve grit, the idea of him donning the white shirt felt like a long-overdue reward.
But, in a twist worthy of a primetime cliffhanger, Deadline has confirmed that Herrmann won’t be leading the charge after all. Instead, the producers are bringing in a brand-new character to shake up the dynamic — and his name is Dom Pascal.
Meet Dom Pascal — Firehouse 51’s New Wild Card
Pascal isn’t just any transfer. He’s coming in from Miami with a sunny demeanor and a knack for staying calm under pressure. His backstory includes a rocky marriage and a personality that stands in sharp contrast to Boden’s no-nonsense style. Where Boden was steady, stoic, and often commanding with quiet authority, Pascal seems poised to win people over with a lighter touch — whether the notoriously tight-knit crew at 51 will embrace that approach remains to be seen.
The casting move is clearly strategic. After Season 12’s staggering number of departures, the show is in dire need of fresh faces and fresh energy. In just one season, Chicago Fire lost five key players:
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Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) — promoted out of the firehouse
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Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) and Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) — married, adopted, and moved out of state
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Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende) — left to be closer to newfound extended family
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Jake Gibson (Rome Flynn) — gone to rehab after a short stint on the team
A Season of Rebuilding
Season 12 didn’t just end with losses; it ended with seeds planted for big reveals. Viewers met Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), a hot-headed probie who turned out to be Kelly Severide’s (Taylor Kinney) half-brother, setting up plenty of family drama. And Lizzy Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) brought a much-needed free-spirited spark reminiscent of Gabby Dawson’s early days.
Now, Dom Pascal joins that mix, and the question isn’t just whether he’ll fit in — it’s whether he’ll survive the scrutiny of Chicago Fire’s fiercely loyal fandom. Herrmann fans in particular may need time to adjust to the fact that their veteran favorite is being passed over for someone brand new.
Why Not Herrmann?
Showrunners haven’t given a detailed explanation, but the writing is on the wall: as beloved as Herrmann is, Chicago Fire thrives on character friction and fresh dynamics. A new chief means new leadership challenges, new conflicts, and — let’s be honest — new reasons for audiences to tune in and see if Firehouse 51 can keep its family spirit under a different style of command.
The Bottom Line
Season 13 will be more than a continuation — it’s a reinvention. The losses of fan-favorite characters have left holes to fill, and Dom Pascal could either be the glue that holds this evolving team together… or the spark that ignites more internal drama. Either way, Chicago Fire fans are about to see their beloved firehouse in a whole new light.
