The dismissal of Jack Damon from Chicago Fire opens the door for a beloved character to join Firehouse 51, filling the void left by Blake Gallo. Damon’s brief tenure at the firehouse was riddled with issues from the start. He stepped in after Derrick Gibson’s abrupt departure but quickly proved to be more of a liability than an asset. His reckless behavior and insubordination endangered his fellow firefighters and compromised their rescue efforts.
The only reason Damon managed to stay as long as he did was his connection to Severide, which placed Stella Kidd in a difficult position. Out of loyalty to her husband, she hesitated to formally report Damon’s disobedience. But when Damon ignored her commands during a high-stakes rescue on a speedboat, which endangered lives, Stella had no choice but to speak up.
Despite Stella’s report, Damon’s future with the team remained uncertain. Ultimately, thanks to the intervention of Mouch, Chief Dom Pascal decided to reassign Damon to the floater pool. This decision was widely seen as appropriate, given Damon’s pattern of dishonesty and refusal to follow orders. With Damon now out of the picture, Season 13 paves the way for a much-needed shake-up in the firehouse, and a fan-favorite character is set to return as Gallo’s ideal replacement.
Kidd Needs a New Team Member for Truck 81
Chief Pascal’s decision to fire Damon was the right call for Firehouse 51. His reckless actions, including disobeying orders and lying, not only jeopardized the crew but also made the rescues far more dangerous. Stella was caught between her loyalty to Severide’s family and her duty to the firehouse, a situation made worse by the fact that Severide couldn’t step in without accusations of bias. Ultimately, moving Damon out of the firehouse was the best outcome for everyone.
However, while Stella may feel relieved that Damon is gone, his departure creates a new problem. She’s now down a firefighter on Truck 81, and filling that spot is critical to ensuring the team can respond effectively to emergencies. Fortunately, there’s a potential solution waiting in the wings—Kylie.
Kylie’s Return Could Complete Firehouse 51 in Season 13
Kylie, Stella’s mentee, has appeared in One Chicago for several seasons, and a behind-the-scenes photo suggests that she may be coming back to Firehouse 51. Given the trust Stella has in her and the history they share, Kylie could be the perfect candidate to fill the gap left by Damon’s departure. Kylie is familiar with Stella’s leadership style and is unlikely to cause the same headaches that Damon did.
Although Kylie previously turned down a position at Firehouse 51 after passing her firefighter exam in Season 11, preferring to establish her career independently, circumstances have changed. The firehouse has several open positions following the departure of key characters, and Damon’s exit has created an immediate need for someone dependable. While Kylie may initially return on a temporary basis, there’s a strong possibility she could ultimately become a permanent part of the team.
Why Kylie is the Best Choice for Truck 81
Finding a stable replacement for Gallo has been a challenge for Stella. Both Gibson and Damon failed to make a lasting impact on Firehouse 51, but Kylie represents a different kind of recruit. Her long-standing relationship with Stella, forged through the Girls on Fire program, makes her the ideal candidate to fill the role. Kylie’s loyalty and experience, combined with the trust she’s built with Stella over the years, make her an excellent fit for the team.
With her recent experience working at another firehouse, Kylie brings a fresh perspective and valuable skills to the table. Her return to Firehouse 51 would provide the stability and reliability Stella needs during a period of significant change. In a firehouse where turnover has been high, Kylie represents a trusted, long-term solution for Truck 81, ensuring the team can function smoothly in high-pressure situations.
As Season 13 unfolds, Kylie’s return promises to inject new energy into the team while solidifying her place as a key member of Firehouse 51. Her presence will not only benefit Stella but will also provide the firehouse with a much-needed sense of stability as they face new challenges.
