Twelve years ago, Meghann Fahy made her mark on Chicago Fire with a short but fiery stint as Nicki Rutkowski, a payroll clerk who caught the eye of Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). Her time on the show, though brief, added a memorable chapter to Severide’s long list of romances in the show’s early days.
As one of the central figures of Chicago Fire, Kelly Severide has faced more than his share of life-or-death rescue missions, but his romantic escapades are equally unforgettable. At the start of the series, Severide was known for his good looks and playboy attitude, and Nicki Rutkowski was one of the first to experience his charms. However, their steamy connection didn’t last long and wasn’t as simple as it first appeared.
The Introduction of Nicki Rutkowski
Nicki Rutkowski, portrayed by Meghann Fahy, first appeared in Season 1, Episode 2 (“Mon Amour”). She was introduced as the new payroll clerk at Firehouse 51. Chief Boden (Eammon Walker) welcomed Nicki to the station, informing the firefighters that her father, a battalion chief, was an old friend of his. Boden cautioned the squad to treat her like a sister, warning against any romantic entanglements.
However, Nicki’s arrival didn’t go unnoticed. Despite Boden’s advice, sparks flew between Nicki and Severide from the beginning. While Severide tried to resist Nicki’s advances at first, it was clear that the attraction was mutual.
A Brief Fling with Kelly Severide
The chemistry between Nicki and Severide escalated at a CFD barbecue, where Nicki flirted with Severide despite his initial hesitance. Shortly after, she visited his apartment, and although Severide tried to remind her of Boden’s warning, Nicki didn’t take no for an answer. She made her intentions clear, and Severide found it difficult to resist.
By Episode 3 (“Professional Courtesy”), the two gave in to their attraction, engaging in a secretive fling. They shared a steamy moment in a supply closet, but things took a sudden turn when Nicki’s father and Chief Boden came looking for her. The close call left both Severide and Nicki scrambling to cover up their tryst, but Severide’s instincts told him something wasn’t quite right.
Nicki’s Sudden Departure
The fling quickly fizzled out when Severide learned that Nicki was engaged to someone else. In Episode 4 (“One Minute”), Nicki’s father paid Severide a visit, revealing that Nicki was promised to another man. Severide, taken aback, realized their affair had to end. When Nicki showed up at Severide’s apartment for one last encounter, he stopped her and, instead of escalating things, confronted her with the truth about her engagement.
Caught off guard, Nicki fled in a panic. Shortly after, Chief Boden announced that Nicki had resigned from her position at Firehouse 51 and left for Europe, having broken off her engagement.
Severide Moves On
Though Nicki’s storyline was short-lived, it added a layer of complexity to Severide’s romantic history. Despite the secrecy and drama surrounding their fling, Severide moved forward, and Nicki’s departure became a forgotten chapter in the fireman’s eventful love life.
Today, Severide’s story has evolved, and he is happily married to Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), forming one of the show’s most beloved couples. But for longtime fans of Chicago Fire, Nicki Rutkowski remains a memorable part of the series’ early days and Severide’s love life.
