The air in Firehouse 51 has been thick with goodbyes, and in a recent move that tugged at the heartstrings of the One Chicago faithful, firefighter Darren Ritter officially stepped away from his post. Portrayed by the talented Daniel Kyri for seven incredible years, Ritter’s departure in the opening episodes of Chicago Fire Season 14 was an emotional, yet ultimately hopeful, narrative choice.
But this isn’t your typical, devastating Firehouse 51 exit. The circumstances surrounding Ritter’s departure have left a palpable question mark hanging in the air: Is this truly the end of Darren Ritter’s time on Chicago Fire, or is the door intentionally cracked open for a return?
Seven Years of Growth: Ritter’s Impact on Firehouse 51
Darren Ritter’s journey from a shy, anxious new recruit—who nearly quit after his first major panic attack—to a confident, compassionate, and deeply integral member of Engine 51 is one of the show’s most compelling arcs. Introduced in Season 7, Kyri’s role was initially intended for just three episodes, but his natural chemistry with the cast and the rich potential of his character, a proud, gay Black firefighter, quickly earned him a regular spot.
Ritter was more than just a background figure; he was part of the beloved “Kidd-Gallo-Ritter” trio that formed the new guard of Firehouse 51. His loyalty to his friends, his mentorship by Mouch (Christian Stolte), and his burgeoning side hustle in the brewery business all contributed to a fully realized character whose presence will be deeply missed. His departure marks another significant shift, following closely on the heels of the loss of his close friend, Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende).
The Emotional Exit: A Move Driven by Love, Not Loss
Unlike many dramatic exits in the One Chicago universe, Ritter’s goodbye was not prompted by tragedy, death, or an administrative failure. Instead, it was a deeply personal choice driven by love and a second chance at happiness.
The storyline in Season 14 saw Ritter reconnect with his ex-boyfriend, Dwayne (Samuel B. Jackson), a Chicago P.D. officer who had moved to New York City. When Dwayne was tragically shot in the line of duty, Ritter immediately flew to New York to be by his side. This pivotal event forced Ritter to re-evaluate his life and his priorities. In a tender moment, his friend and former roomie, Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith), urged him not to walk away from a chance at true love, a mistake she regretted making with her own relationships.
Heeding Violet’s advice, Ritter makes the definitive choice to move to New York to be with Dwayne. This decision provided a happy, well-earned send-off for a character who deserved a positive outcome. It also allowed the show to highlight Ritter’s tremendous personal growth: the man who once feared commitment was now sacrificing his established life for the person he loved.
The Key Detail: Ritter’s “Extended Furlough”
The most crucial detail for hopeful fans lies in the specific language used for Ritter’s exit: he called it an “extended furlough,” not a resignation.
- Furlough, Not Quitting: Ritter explicitly told Violet, “I’m not quitting, it’s just an extended furlough.” He also confirmed that he had cleared his absence with his superiors, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney).
- The Showrunner’s Tease: The show’s creative team, including showrunner Andrea Newman, has consistently adopted an “always a chance” policy for character returns. Newman noted that the nature of Chicago Fire allows them to “say our goodbyes, and then we’ll see people again,” confirming they “hope to see him back at some point later in the season.”
- A Familiar Narrative Tool: The One Chicago franchise frequently employs open-ended departures—like a move to another city or a leave of absence—to avoid killing off characters and preserve the possibility of guest appearances. This creative choice is likely also a pragmatic one, stemming from the reality of actors moving on to new projects or, as was reportedly the initial impetus for Kyri’s exit, budgetary cuts across the network.
By framing his move as an “extended furlough,” the show ensures that Darren Ritter remains a part of the CFD family. He didn’t burn any bridges; he simply pressed pause on his Chicago career for a romantic venture in the Big Apple.
Will Daniel Kyri Return to Firehouse 51?
While Ritter’s long-term future as a series regular is almost certainly over, the likelihood of Daniel Kyri returning for guest appearances or brief arcs is extremely high.
The character’s exit narrative—moving for a relationship—is one of the most stable and easily reversible in television. A simple visit home, a temporary rotation back to Chicago, or a crossover event are all possibilities.
Furthermore, Kyri’s own heartfelt farewell message on social media spoke of his profound connection to the role, suggesting his professional relationship with the cast and crew is intact. He described playing Ritter as transforming and healing him, making the role a deeply personal one. This goodwill, coupled with the show’s history of bringing back beloved actors like Jesse Spencer (Matt Casey), suggests that a Ritter return is not a matter of if, but when.
The Enduring Theme of Found Family
Darren Ritter’s departure underscores one of Chicago Fire’s most enduring and beloved themes: Found Family. His last moments weren’t about fighting a major blaze; they were about the people who loved him. The emotional goodbye with Mouch, his mentor, and the final ride to the airport with Violet and Novak cemented his lasting connection to Firehouse 51.
For now, Firehouse 51 has lost a key member of its engine company, but it has not lost a friend. The “extended furlough” provides the perfect narrative mechanism: it gives Darren Ritter his much-deserved happy ending without closing the door on the possibility of him—and Daniel Kyri—walking back into the firehouse someday.
Fans can take solace in the fact that, in the world of One Chicago, “goodbye” is often just a synonym for “see you later.” We’ll be waiting for that call from New York, Chief.
