The looming question hanging over Firehouse 51, and indeed the entire Chicago Fire universe, is the eventual departure of Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker). For thirteen seasons, Boden has been the immovable, authoritative, yet deeply empathetic rock of the house—its father figure, its protector, and its moral compass. His eventual exit, whether through promotion or retirement, will leave a chasm that no ordinary transfer can fill.
While characters like Stella Kidd are actively climbing the ranks and Kelly Severide possesses the courage and instinct, the show has already, perhaps inadvertently, introduced and heavily developed the one character whose journey, values, and relationship with the firehouse family make him the perfect, natural successor to Chief Boden: Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg).
He’s been the comic relief, the entrepreneur, the family man, and the emotional core of Truck 81. But as Chicago Fire enters Season 14, Herrmann’s evolution into a seasoned, trusted, and universally respected leader has positioned him as the inevitable new Battalion Chief, a perfect embodiment of the show’s enduring spirit.
The Core Values: Embodying Boden’s Spirit
Replacing Boden isn’t simply about filling a chair; it’s about finding a character who embodies the unique blend of leadership, loyalty, and empathy that defined the Chief. Herrmann fits this mold perfectly, aligning with Boden’s philosophy in three key areas:
1. The Father Figure and Protector
Boden was the ultimate protective father figure. His decisions were rarely strictly by-the-book; they were guided by what was best for his “kids” at 51. Herrmann has spent his entire adult life being a guardian. As a husband, and father to five children, he inherently understands the dynamics of a large, messy, interdependent family.
More importantly, Herrmann views Firehouse 51 as an extension of his family. He has consistently fought for his fellow firefighters, offering personal loans, emotional counseling, and unwavering support. This makes him the only character who would approach the Battalion Chief role with the same fierce, personal loyalty to 51 that Boden always demonstrated. He wouldn’t just manage the house; he would protect it from the bureaucracy outside.
2. The Wisdom of Experience (Not Just Rank)
While Kidd and Severide represent the future of the department, Herrmann represents the wisdom and institutional memory of the present. He’s seen it all—from the chaos of the early seasons to the constant changes in command and personnel.
Herrmann’s leadership is not born from a degree or a rapid climb up the promotional ladder; it’s forged in decades of hands-on experience, failure, and survival. He has earned respect from every rank—from rookies to seasoned veterans—because he knows what it’s like to be on the nozzle, on the truck, and at the kitchen table worrying about the mortgage. His promotions have been slow, steady, and hard-earned, giving him a legitimacy that no other candidate possesses.
3. The Soul of the House: Molly’s
Herrmann’s ownership of Molly’s, the firefighters’ favorite watering hole, is not just a side-plot—it is emblematic of his role as the house’s emotional anchor. Molly’s is the neutral ground where arguments are settled, tragedies are mourned, and camaraderie is celebrated.
By running Molly’s, Herrmann organically becomes the chief confidant and emotional barometer for everyone at 51. He knows their secrets, their struggles, and their triumphs. This unique perspective gives him an understanding of his personnel that far exceeds mere file reviews, making him uniquely qualified to lead a team defined by its messy, deeply personal relationships.
Why Other Candidates Fall Short
While other characters are undoubtedly qualified, they lack the specific combination of qualities needed to seamlessly step into the “Boden role.”
Stella Kidd (The Ambitious Future)
Kidd is a powerhouse and a natural leader, but her rapid ascent means she is still focused on establishing her authority. Her career trajectory is likely aimed at a much higher command than just the Battalion Chief of 51. More importantly, she often embodies the future of the CFD (Clean Slate initiative), whereas Boden’s replacement needs to represent the heart of the house’s past.
Kelly Severide (The Specialized Leader)
Severide is a brilliant firefighter and an exceptional officer, but his passion lies in specialized rescue and arson investigation, often pulling him away from the day-to-day command of the house. He lacks the interest and patience for the bureaucratic and administrative tasks that consume the Battalion Chief. Severide is a specialist leader, not a general commander.
The Narrative Setup for Season 14
The writers have spent the last few seasons subtly preparing Herrmann for this shift, making his eventual promotion feel like an organic next step.
His New Role as Mentor
Herrmann is no longer the perpetual grumbler; he is the primary mentor at Firehouse 51. He provides guidance to new candidates, mediates disputes among the veterans, and offers philosophical lessons to the younger generation. He has fully embraced his status as an elder statesman, shifting his focus from his own professional climb to the well-being of the unit.
Increased Responsibility and Decision-Making
With Chief Boden often taking on more city-wide responsibilities or facing external conflicts, Herrmann has frequently stepped into the acting Battalion Chief role. These trial runs have shown the audience that he can handle the pressure, make tough calls, and command respect across all three companies at 51. Crucially, these episodes always end with Herrmann successfully keeping the house together, demonstrating his innate suitability for the role.
Pascal’s Principle in Action
The mathematical concept of Pascal’s Principle states that pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally throughout the fluid. In Chicago Fire, Herrmann is that pressure, and Firehouse 51 is the enclosed fluid. His influence, his emotional investment, and his leadership are already distributed throughout the entire house.
When Boden eventually leaves, the natural, least disruptive change is to promote the person whose values already permeate the environment. Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann is not just a good choice; he is the only choice that honors Boden’s legacy while ensuring the essential, protective soul of Firehouse 51 remains intact for Season 14 and beyond. His time has come to assume the mantle of Chief.
