In the high-stakes world of Firehouse 51, character departures are an unfortunate reality. They are often sudden, tragic, or baffling, leaving fans frustrated and key relationships unresolved. However, with the news that Daniel Kyri—the beloved actor who has played firefighter Darren Ritter since Season 7—will not be returning as a series regular for Chicago Fire Season 14, the show is taking a surprisingly refreshing and emotionally satisfying approach to his send-off.
Unlike some recent exits that have felt rushed or forced, the groundwork laid in the Season 14 premiere (and the promise of a proper goodbye) is setting up a storyline that is not only a fitting conclusion for Ritter’s seven-year journey but also a testament to the character’s growth and the true meaning of the Firehouse 51 family.
From Lost Cadet to Confident Firefighter: Ritter’s Evolution
When Darren Ritter first arrived at Firehouse 51, he was a nervous candidate who struggled with the intense pressure of the job, nearly quitting after freezing on a call. He was rescued, literally and figuratively, by Mouch (Christian Stolte), who saw a glimmer of potential and confidence that Ritter himself couldn’t find. This moment became the foundation of his entire career and one of the show’s most unique mentor-mentee relationships.
A Beacon of Representation
Ritter’s significance to the show goes beyond his skills on Engine 51. He represented vital diversity as an openly gay Black firefighter in the high-profile One Chicago franchise. His coming-out storyline was handled with grace, depicting his colleagues’ acceptance as a beautiful non-issue, a moment that resonated deeply with viewers and gave a voice to a group rarely seen in network procedural dramas.
Over the seasons, Ritter grew into a stable, compassionate, and reliable member of the crew. He and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende) formed the “new guard” of Firehouse 51, a trio of tight-knit friends who balanced the dynamics of the veteran crew. His exit breaks up this core friendship, yet the way the show is handling it honors the character’s personal priorities over professional stability.
The Perfect Exit Narrative: Heart Over Career
The initial news of Kyri’s departure was tied to network-wide budgetary decisions, which often leads to poor, unceremonious writing. Thankfully, the creative team has been given the opportunity to craft a powerful emotional arc, focusing on a storyline that existed long before the exit was planned: Ritter’s relationship with his ex-boyfriend, Dwayne Morris.
The New York Plot Twist ✈️
The Season 14 premiere cleverly reintroduces Dwayne, who had previously broken up with Ritter after the firefighter wasn’t ready to take the next step and move in with him. We learn that Dwayne, an ex-police officer, has moved to New York City. The emotional stakes escalate when Mouch (with a little help from Trudy Platt) finds out that Dwayne has been shot and rushed into surgery.
This twist immediately provides Ritter with a clear, compelling reason to leave Chicago. It’s not a transfer, a tragic death, or a random career change. It’s a moment of clarity spurred by fear and love. Seeing Dwayne nearly lose his life makes Ritter realize what truly matters—the chance to choose happiness and commitment with the person he loves before it’s too late.
This is why the storyline works so well:
- It’s Character-Driven: It honors Ritter’s history of struggling with major life changes and shows him finally taking a massive, decisive leap of faith toward his personal life.
- It’s Relatable: The push and pull between career security and the pursuit of love is a universal theme, giving his exit depth and resonance.
- It Provides Hope: Unlike the devastating loss of other characters, Ritter’s exit is one of choice and hope, providing him with the happy, whole life he deserves.
Why a Clean, Satisfying Exit is Good for Chicago Fire
After seven seasons, a character like Ritter deserves a proper send-off that allows him and the actor, Daniel Kyri, to move on gracefully. The writers are not just pushing him out; they are celebrating his journey.
A Farewell of Friendship and Wisdom
The show is leveraging key relationships to facilitate this emotional transition. The conversation in the premiere where Violet encourages Ritter to take the leap—advising him to learn from her own mistakes in being cautious with love (a clear nod to her rocky history with Carver)—is masterful. It validates Ritter’s choice while strengthening the bond between the two friends.
Furthermore, the involvement of Mouch in getting the critical information about Dwayne is a perfect full-circle moment. Mouch saved Ritter’s career; now, Mouch is helping him save his heart.
The Opportunity for New Life at 51
While losing a character is always bittersweet, it creates necessary room for the ensemble show to breathe and introduce new dynamics. The void left by Ritter on Engine 51 must be filled, providing the perfect opportunity to bring in a fresh personality to challenge or charm the existing crew.
The showrunner has also confirmed that Kyri’s exit will be a “goodbye, but not forever,” hinting at potential guest appearances down the line. This type of open-ended exit is the best possible scenario, allowing the show to revisit the beloved character for special milestones or crossovers without forcing a permanent narrative slot.
The Verdict: A Great Storyline for a Great Character
Darren Ritter’s exit is one of the rare instances where a Chicago Fire departure feels not like a loss, but a fulfillment. The show is positioning his departure as the ultimate act of courage—choosing a full, loving personal life over the routine of a dedicated but often harrowing career.
By having Ritter choose to stand by the man he loves in New York, the show is granting him a rich, earned happy ending—a far more compelling and positive narrative than yet another tragedy or unexplained vanishing act. For a character who brought so much heart, representation, and quiet bravery to Firehouse 51, he is getting the send-off he truly deserves: one driven by his own growth and the pursuit of a life well-lived.
