For fans of Chicago Fire, the heart of Firehouse 51 has always been more than the flames—it’s the family. And one of its most beloved members, Firefighter Darren Ritter, is hanging up his turnout gear for good. After seven years of bravery, humor, and quiet resilience, Daniel Kyri has officially filmed his final scenes on the hit NBC drama—and his farewell message is as heartfelt as his journey.
From Three Episodes to Eight Seasons: The Rise of Darren Ritter
When Daniel Kyri joined Chicago Fire in 2018 during Season 7, it was supposed to be a blink-and-you-miss-it role. Just three episodes. A supporting firefighter. Nothing major. But then something magical happened: Ritter resonated—with the cast, with the writers, and most importantly, with fans.
The soft-spoken firefighter with a heart of gold quickly evolved into a series regular, forming an inseparable bond with Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende) and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith). The trio became the show’s emotional anchor, offering lightness amid tragedy, laughter amid chaos.
Now, after eight seasons and countless life-or-death moments, Ritter’s story is coming to an end—and Daniel is saying goodbye with a message that’s leaving fans in tears.
“Yesterday, I Filmed My Last Scenes as Ritter”
In an emotional Instagram post, Daniel revealed that he had wrapped his final day on set, calling the experience “life-changing.”
“Yesterday, I filmed my last scenes as Ritter & I’m still so amazed that my first-ever TV gig—a role that was originally meant for just three episodes—turned into seven incredible years (SEVEN?!?!! Whatttt??!) and spanned eight seasons of this iconic show.”
His farewell carousel included a poignant image: his on-set chair embroidered with his name, his turnout coat draped across it, the name “Ritter” stitched boldly on the bottom. It wasn’t just a photo—it was a symbol of legacy.
Daniel didn’t hold back his gratitude. He thanked the crew, the Wolf Entertainment team, and co-stars—Miranda Rae Mayo, Hanako Greensmith, Alberto Rosende, and David Eigenberg—calling their loyalty and love “a gift.”
Ritter Made History
Kyri’s portrayal of Darren Ritter was groundbreaking for network television. As the show’s first Black, queer firefighter, Ritter brought visibility and depth to a character type rarely seen on screen. And Daniel knew it.
“Chicago Fire changed my life,” he wrote. “Bringing Darren Ritter to the screen has transformed & healed me in equal measure. He is a man who embodies empathy, humility, compassion, and unwavering bravery to save lives. His heroism is further fortified by the way he navigates the world—a gay Black firefighter who is proud, fierce, loyal, & whole—a possibility I never got to see onscreen in my childhood but desperately craved.”
Representation matters, and Ritter mattered. He mattered to fans who saw themselves in him. He mattered to those who didn’t but learned through his story. And he mattered to Daniel, who admitted:
“I’m thrilled that my inner child would have looked at you each week in awe of everything you represent. You made history. Thank you so much, Darren Ritter. And goodbye.”
Why Fans Are Heartbroken—and Frustrated
While Ritter became a fan favorite, many argue that the show never fully capitalized on his potential. His romantic life remained mostly off-screen (including a hinted relationship with a Chicago PD officer), and his storylines were often secondary.
Kyri himself once expressed hope for “more tender moments” for Ritter. Unfortunately, those arcs never came to fruition. With his exit, fans are left wondering what could have been—especially since Ritter’s brewery venture with Gallo and Violet was just starting to flourish.
What’s Next for Daniel Kyri?
Though Ritter’s chapter is closing, Daniel’s career is just heating up. His farewell note hinted at big plans, and with his talent and range, Hollywood should be ready. Fans are already speculating about his next move—prestige drama? Streaming hit? Feature film? Whatever it is, expect the same depth and authenticity he brought to Chicago Fire.
Ritter’s Legacy: A Hero Beyond Firehouse 51
Darren Ritter wasn’t just a firefighter. He was a trailblazer. A loyal friend. A voice for those who rarely see themselves reflected on screen. His quiet strength and unshakeable kindness made him unforgettable—and his exit marks the end of an era for Chicago Fire.
But as Daniel Kyri said in his final words to fans:
“You made history.”
And that history will burn bright, long after the flames die down.
