Why Is Chief Boden Leaving ‘Chicago Fire?’ Eamonn Walker’s Departure Explained
Firehouse 51 often loses one of its own. Lead actor Eamonn Walker is leaving Chicago Fire after 12 seasons. Read on to find out everything you need to know about his departure, including what Boden’s future holds going forward.
Walker has played beloved police chief Wallace Boden since Chicago Fire debuted in 2012. Boden started as Battalion Chief of the 25th Battalion before being promoted to Deputy District Chief in Season 10. He is currently competing for the role of Deputy Fire Chief with Chief Robinson (Laura Allen). Boden has also appeared on the spin-offs Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med.
On May 7, Deadline reported that the 61-year-old British actor would be leaving the firefighting drama. A source told the site that Boden’s character is “still very healthy” and that Walker is “expected to return to the show in a regular capacity in the future.”
In Season 12, Episode 9 (“Something About Her”), Boden took a leave of absence from Firehouse 51 to support his stepson, James, who was trying to sort out the mess following his mother’s incarceration. At the time, it was unknown how long Boden would be on leave — and it may now be linked to Walker’s future departure.
Walker’s final episode will be the Season 12 finale, “Never Say Goodbye,” which airs on May 22, 2024. In the finale, “Boden makes a decision that affects the race for Deputy Commissioner. A tense phone call brings back painful memories for Carver [Jake Lockett] and Damon [Michael Bradway]. Mouch [Christian Stolte] struggles to adjust to his new truck.”
