The most immediate and impactful departures announced in the lead-up to the new season are those of two integral Firehouse 51 members: Firefighter Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) and Firefighter Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri).
Both actors have confirmed their exits, sending waves of disappointment through the fan community. What makes this double departure so jarring is the timing and the characters’ specific storylines.
🚒 Sam Carver: The Phoenix Flies Away
Sam Carver arrived at Firehouse 51 as a late addition, initially challenging the team’s dynamics with his guarded personality and turbulent past. However, over his tenure, Carver evolved into a fan-favorite, thanks in large part to his mentorship under Severide and his deeply complicated, slow-burn romance with paramedic Violet Mikami.
The Season 13 finale left the Carver and Violet storyline on a heart-wrenching cliffhanger. Carver revealed his intention to transfer to the Denver Fire Department, seeking a fresh start to aid his ongoing sobriety and recovery. But in the final moments, he and Violet confessed their love for each other with a passionate kiss.
The news of Jake Lockett’s departure confirms that Carver’s transfer will likely be permanent, shattering the “Carv-let” dream just as it was igniting. Showrunners have teased that their relationship will be “much messier” than previous firehouse romances, suggesting that this separation will be a painful, drawn-out arc for Violet in the new season.
Carver’s exit creates a substantial hole in Truck 81, leaving a spot open that will undoubtedly introduce a new character to fill his shoes.
🐕🦺 Darren Ritter: A Beloved Firehouse Star Says Goodbye
The exit of Darren Ritter is arguably the biggest surprise and the most upsetting for longtime viewers. Daniel Kyri first joined the show in Season 7 and was quickly promoted to a series regular, a rare success story that endeared the actor and character to the fanbase. Ritter was more than just a firefighter; he was the empathetic heart of Truck 81 and the co-owner of the dog Tuesday (who also frequently appeared on the show).
Ritter’s character was praised for his compassionate nature, his friendship with Gallo and Violet (forming the ‘Firehouse Trio’), and the subtle, organic way the series handled his personal life, becoming a positive representation for LGBTQ+ viewers.
Kyri’s departure, unlike Lockett’s, did not have a strong in-show setup, suggesting the decision was truly external. However, there is a small silver lining: Kyri is set to return for a limited run at the beginning of the new season. This suggests the writers will be able to provide Ritter with a proper on-screen farewell, offering closure to his story and a respectful send-off for the beloved character. His exit is believed to be directly tied to the budget cuts.
💸 The Real-World Factor: Budget Cuts and Cast Negotiations
While Chicago Fire has seen its share of voluntary exits for creative reasons (like Jesse Spencer’s Matt Casey) or other opportunities, the current wave of departures—including the one-two punch of Carver and Ritter—is largely attributed to a more pragmatic, frustrating reality of network television: budget cuts.
The One Chicago and Law & Order franchises, produced by Wolf Entertainment, are reportedly undergoing a series of cost-trimming measures. As several long-standing cast members’ contracts come up for renewal, the network has chosen not to renew the contracts of newer or mid-level series regulars like Kyri and Lockett to manage costs.
Showrunner Andrea Newman acknowledged the budget reality, stating that the departures were not driven by “creative decisions,” but rather an “axe falling across the network.”
This financial reality creates an uncertain atmosphere at Firehouse 51, where the characters themselves are dealing with in-show budget cuts and the constant threat of layoffs and firehouse closures. The writers are cleverly using this real-world turmoil to fuel the Season 14 narrative, as the pressure mounts and the remaining members of 51—including Stella Kidd, Herrmann, and Mouch—are forced to work short-staffed and deal with the fallout.
🔄 The Aftermath: How Firehouse 51 Changes Forever
Losing Ritter and Carver simultaneously will have cascading effects across the Firehouse 51 family:
- Truck 81’s Void: The immediate impact is on Truck 81, under the leadership of Lieutenant Stella Kidd. Losing two active firefighters means Kidd will face a massive operational challenge. Their spots have been filled by the controversial new recruit, Sal Vasquez, and another new face, forcing Kidd to manage a completely new and inexperienced crew.
- Violet’s New Challenge: Violet Mikami, already reeling from the potential loss of Carver, will have to cope with another heartbreak. Her character arc will focus on moving forward romantically, as teased by showrunners, and on stepping into a stronger, more independent role as PIC (Paramedic-in-Charge).
- The Mouch/Herrmann Dynamic: Herrmann’s decision to step down from the Lieutenant role for Mouch in the previous season was designed to protect Mouch from the impending layoffs. The atmosphere of financial uncertainty and the exit of two popular firefighters will only intensify the stress on this veteran duo.
- A Familiar Face is Also Gone: In a less dramatic but equally impactful exit, Michael Bradway (Jack Damon), Severide’s half-brother, also won’t return as a series regular. This departure was attributed to scheduling conflicts, but it removes another recent addition and potential future connection to a core character.
The departure of key cast members always creates anxiety for fans, but it’s an inevitable part of a long-running procedural. The silver lining is that these changes force the writers to shake up the established formula, introduce compelling new characters, and—most importantly—deepen the relationships of the remaining core cast as they lean on each other for support. Firehouse 51 has weathered major exits before, from Shay and Mills to Casey and Boden, proving the enduring spirit of the firehouse family.
