The 2025–2026 television season has brought a tidal wave of change to Firehouse 51, but no departure has been felt more deeply than that of Wallace Boden. After twelve years serving as the paternal anchor of Chicago Fire, Eamonn Walker’s transition from a series regular to a recurring guest star marks a historic turning point for the franchise. This shift is not merely a casting change; it is a calculated narrative evolution that balances the reality of a long-running production with a profound respect for a character who became the “soul” of the Windy City’s fictional firefighting world.
The Decision: A Legacy of Twelve Years
The real-world catalyst for Eamonn Walker’s departure is rooted in a desire for balance. Having been the first actor ever cast for Chicago Fire back in 2012, Walker dedicated over a decade to the grueling production schedules that define network procedurals. At 63, the veteran British actor sought a lighter professional load, allowing him to spend more time with his family in London and pursue artistic ventures outside the “One Chicago” universe, such as his recent acclaimed return to the stage.
Showrunner Andrea Newman has been vocal about the amicable nature of this transition. “Eamonn is 51,” she remarked in a 2025 interview, emphasizing that his influence remains woven into the fabric of the show even when he isn’t on screen. By choosing a recurring status rather than a final exit, Walker ensures that Boden remains a living, breathing part of the universe, ready to return whenever the narrative demands his wisdom.
The Promotion: From Chief to Deputy Commissioner
Narratively, the writers chose to honor Boden with the ultimate professional victory. In the Season 12 finale, Boden accepted a promotion to Deputy Commissioner of the CFD. This move was a masterstroke of storytelling: it removed the character from the daily grind of Firehouse 51 while elevating him to a position of immense power where he can protect his former crew from the political machinations of headquarters.
This promotion paved the way for the introduction of Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) in Season 13 and into 2026. While Pascal brings a more abrasive, corporate style of leadership, his presence highlights just how unique Boden’s paternal approach was. The friction between the new chief’s methods and the “Boden way” has become a central theme of the 2026 episodes, keeping the spirit of the former chief alive through the values he instilled in his lieutenants, Stella Kidd and Christopher Herrmann.
A Hero’s Return: Recurring Guest Spots
Fans didn’t have to wait long to see the Chief again. His guest appearance in the April 2025 episode “Post-Mortem”—where he led a high-stakes investigation into a fatal house fire—proved that Walker’s gravitas is as potent as ever. Into the spring of 2026, Boden continues to reappear during major “event” episodes, often serving as a bridge between the firehouse and the higher-ups in the city.
| Aspect | The “Boden” Era (Seasons 1–12) | The “Deputy” Era (2025–2026) |
| Rank | Battalion Chief | First Deputy Commissioner |
| Role | Daily Mentor & Tactical Leader | Strategic Oversight & Political Ally |
| Status | Series Regular | Recurring Guest Star |
The Enduring Impact
The “Farewell to the Chief” is less of a goodbye and more of a graduation. Eamonn Walker’s legacy at Firehouse 51 is secure; he built the foundation of a family that persists even in his absence. While the common room at Station 51 feels a bit quieter without his booming voice, the show has successfully navigated the most difficult transition in its history. As Deputy Commissioner, Wallace Boden is now the most powerful friend the firehouse has—a guardian angel watching over Chicago from the highest level of command.
