Firehouse 51 is bracing for a shake-up as Chicago Fire heads into its fourteenth season. With familiar faces gone and new blood on the way, actor Brandon Larracuente (13 Reasons Why, The Good Doctor) is stepping into the One Chicago world as firefighter Sal Vasquez—a character he describes as “confident” but layered like an “onion.”
A Confident New Arrival
Vasquez joins Truck 81 with no hesitation about his place in the firehouse. Larracuente revealed that his character arrives with an unshakable sense of self-belief.
“Sal is really confident in his ability to be a firefighter. He’s extremely sure of himself,” Larracuente explained. But in the tight-knit brotherhood of 51, confidence can be a double-edged sword. “He knows sometimes that can rub people the wrong way,” the actor admitted.
This tension will play out immediately, particularly under the watch of Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). As Truck 81’s leader, Kidd will be the first to test Vasquez’s mettle—and decide whether his confidence is an asset or a liability.
Peeling Back the Layers
The “onion” metaphor Larracuente uses to describe Vasquez hints at a deeper character journey. Beneath the swagger lies vulnerability and complexity that will only be revealed over time.
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A Law Enforcement Legacy – Vasquez comes from a police family. His father’s career as an officer instilled discipline and composure, but also a rigidity that may clash with the firehouse’s more familial ethos.
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Cracks Beneath the Confidence – As the season progresses, Vasquez’s assured exterior begins to crumble under the weight of personal and professional pressures. “As the season progresses, that self-assurance in himself starts to break because of the things that are happening around him,” Larracuente teased, pointing to family drama and firehouse relationships as catalysts.
Ultimately, Vasquez’s arc will transform him from an outsider into a true member of 51—thanks to the crew lifting him up when he falters.
New Dynamics and Possible Sparks
With major characters gone, Vasquez’s arrival will naturally fill a void, but not quietly. His storylines are set to create sparks with key players:
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Stella Kidd – As his commanding officer, she’ll push Vasquez to rein in his confidence and prove himself as part of the team.
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Lizzie Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) – The newcomer paramedic may find herself drawn into Vasquez’s orbit. Their chemistry is already teasing possible flirtation, adding fuel to the firehouse drama.
Why Sal Vasquez Matters
For a long-running series like Chicago Fire, fresh characters must do more than fill empty boots—they need to spark new energy while honoring the heart of the show. By building Vasquez as a multi-layered character, the writers ensure he can sustain a compelling arc while blending into the family at 51.
As Larracuente put it, the audience’s journey with Vasquez will mirror the crew’s: skepticism, curiosity, and ultimately acceptance as his layers are revealed.
Final Thoughts
Sal Vasquez may stride into Firehouse 51 with confidence to spare, but Brandon Larracuente promises viewers will discover much more beneath the surface. With family baggage, professional struggles, and simmering new relationships, Vasquez is poised to be one of the most intriguing additions the One Chicago universe has seen in years.
