With its long-running success, Chicago Fire has introduced a diverse array of characters at Firehouse 51, where firefighters and paramedics face dangerous situations daily. But in a place as intense as Firehouse 51, not everyone makes the cut. Across its many seasons, Chicago Fire has featured both tragic deaths and a number of dismissals—some due to reckless behavior, dishonesty, or simply not fitting in with the team. Here’s a look at ten memorable characters who were fired from Firehouse 51.
10. Jessica “Chili” Chilton – Fired for Drinking on the Job
Jessica “Chili” Chilton, played by Dora Madison, joined Ambulance 61 in Season 3 and initially brought a sense of ambition with her entrepreneurial spirit. However, as her drinking problem escalated, it began to affect her work and relationships with colleagues. In Season 4, after multiple inappropriate incidents, Chili was ultimately fired for drinking on the job. The team showed their support by encouraging her to seek help in rehab, marking her exit from Firehouse 51.
9. Hope Jacquinot – Dismissed for Dishonesty and Forgery
Hope Jacquinot, Sylvie Brett’s friend, joined Firehouse 51 in Season 6 as a receptionist, but her presence quickly stirred up drama. Played by Eloise Mumford, Hope embezzled money from a previous job and later forged Stella Kidd’s signature to orchestrate her transfer. When her scheming was discovered, she was promptly fired, leading to a strained reunion with Sylvie in Season 8, where they reconciled their friendship despite Hope’s past actions.
8. Jack Damon – Ignored Orders, Fired for Endangering Others
Introduced as a temporary firefighter and Kelly Severide’s stepbrother in Seasons 12 and 13, Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) was eager to impress. However, his disregard for direct orders and his habit of undermining Stella Kidd’s authority put the team at risk. Chief Pascal had no choice but to fire him after he repeatedly prioritized his own goals over team safety.
7. Chad Collins – Let Go for Unprofessional Behavior
Chad Collins, portrayed by Austin Peck, briefly replaced Sylvie Brett as a paramedic in Season 8. His childish antics and lack of professionalism made him a liability in the intense environment of Firehouse 51. After a series of inappropriate actions in the ambulance, Chad was swiftly fired, ending his short tenure.
6. Jared Lennox – Fired After Giving an Unauthorized Sedative
In Season 12, paramedic Jared Lennox, assigned by Danya Robinson to keep tabs on Firehouse 51, clashed with the team. Played by Wesam Keesh, Jared’s strict adherence to rules made him unpopular. After he administered a sedative to a patient without authorization, Robinson fired him without hesitation, though he later returned with a warning for Boden about her political ambitions.
5. Emma Jacobs – Dismissed for Abandoning Her Post
Emma Jacobs (Caitlin Carver) joined Firehouse 51 in Season 10 as a temporary replacement for Sylvie. Known for her manipulative behavior, she sought to blackmail Violet Mikami in a bid to secure her job. However, her stint was cut short after she abandoned her station during a crisis, leading to her dismissal. She returned in Season 11 in an investigative role, only to face another dismissal when her blackmail attempt was exposed.
4. Keith Bamford – Fired for Inappropriate Humor
In Season 11, firefighter Keith Bamford (Chris McKenna) filled in temporarily at Firehouse 51. Despite initially bonding with the crew, his overly aggressive humor went too far, especially when he joked insensitively about Herrmann’s wife. Warned multiple times, he eventually crossed the line, leading to his dismissal.
3. Patrick “Pat” Pridgen – Fired for Poor Leadership and Dishonesty
Pat Pridgen, played by Matthew Del Negro, briefly served as Firehouse 51’s chief in Season 3. Known for his poor leadership, Pridgen alienated the team with his abrasive style. When he redirected Truck 81 from a fire and lied about it, Kelly Severide exposed him, leading to his termination.
2. Scott Rice – Dismissed for Abandoning His Duties
Scott Rice (Warren Christie), a friend of Severide, joined Firehouse 51 in Season 3 after a hiatus following his wife’s death. However, his reliability was questioned when he was seen fleeing from a fire. Although he claimed his equipment was faulty, Severide later discovered this was untrue. Realizing Rice’s fear of leaving his child without a parent, Severide understood but ultimately agreed with his dismissal.
1. Spellman – Fired for Spying
Spellman, portrayed by John Hoogenakker, came to Firehouse 51 in Season 2 with Jeff Clarke after Firehouse 33 shut down. Unlike Clarke, Spellman secretly spied on Firehouse 51 for Deputy Commissioner Gail McLeod. When his betrayal was discovered, Chief Boden dismissed him, reinforcing the firehouse’s trust-based culture.
