The firehouse is a place of constant change, and for the cast of Chicago Fire, that reality has never been more apparent than heading into Season 14. After a dramatic and emotionally charged Season 13 finale, fans were left with more questions than answers about the future of their beloved characters. The departures were swift and, for some, unceremonious, leaving significant gaps in the fabric of Firehouse 51. As the show prepares to enter a new chapter, the roster has been shaken up, with new faces arriving to fill the void left by a few surprising exits. Understanding who’s returning, who’s gone, and who’s new is essential to preparing for what promises to be one of the most transformative seasons yet.
Three Stars Are Leaving: The Shocking Exits
The biggest news from the off-season has been the departure of three key actors, creating significant voids in Firehouse 51. These exits, reportedly due to budget cuts and new opportunities for the actors, have left fans reeling.
- Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter): Ritter has been a beloved member of the firehouse for years, acting as a quiet moral compass and a loyal friend. His departure, without a proper send-off in the Season 13 finale, was a major blow to fans who had watched him grow from a nervous rookie to a confident firefighter. However, in a surprising turn of events, Kyri has confirmed he will return for a limited number of episodes in Season 14 to give his character a proper goodbye. While this provides some closure, his long-term absence will be deeply felt.
- Jake Lockett (Sam Carver): Carver’s character had a budding, high-stakes romance with Violet Mikami that culminated in a beautiful confession of love in the finale. His abrupt departure from the show renders that entire storyline moot and leaves Violet’s emotional arc in a state of romantic limbo. His absence on Truck 81 also leaves a major leadership gap that will need to be filled.
- Michael Bradway (Jack Damon): As the presumed son of Chief Boden, Damon’s character had an intriguing storyline that was set to be explored in Season 14. His abrupt departure, reportedly due to Bradway’s new role in a Prime Video series, leaves a major cliffhanger unresolved and eliminates a potentially rich source of new character dynamics.
The absence of these characters is more than just a casting change; it’s a narrative reset. The show will need to find a way to honor their legacies while creating new stories for the remaining characters who have to grapple with their loss.
One Star Joins: A New Face at Firehouse 51
To fill the voids left by the departures, Chicago Fire will be introducing a new face to the firehouse.
- Brandon Larracuente (Sal Vasquez): The actor, known for his roles in 13 Reasons Why and other Dick Wolf productions, is joining the cast as a series regular. While specific character details are being kept under wraps, showrunner Andrea Newman hinted that he will be “a real challenge” for his new lieutenant, Stella Kidd. Early reports suggest that Sal is a character with a rich family history in the first responder world, much like Kelly Severide. This new character is expected to bring a fresh, yet familiar, dynamic to Firehouse 51, and his integration into the team will be a major storyline. His addition is a strategic move to infuse new energy into the show while remaining true to its core themes.
Eight More Expected to Return: The Pillars of Firehouse 51
Despite the recent turbulence, the heart and soul of Firehouse 51 remains firmly in place. The show’s most beloved and longest-serving characters are confirmed to be back, ready to lead the team through its latest challenges.
- Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide): The charismatic and fearless Lieutenant of Squad 3, Severide remains the unshakeable cornerstone of the show. His return after a brief absence in Season 11 reassured fans, and his continued presence provides a crucial anchor for the series. His relationship with Stella Kidd and his leadership role will be more vital than ever as the team faces new personnel changes.
- Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd): As the Lieutenant of Truck 81 and Severide’s wife, Kidd has become a formidable force in her own right. Her journey from a new firefighter to a respected leader has been a central plot point, and her character’s strength will be essential in helping the firehouse adapt. With the recent news of her pregnancy, her personal storyline is set to take a dramatic and emotionally charged turn.
- David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann): The gruff but lovable Herrmann is the emotional core of the firehouse. After a Season 13 storyline that saw him make a big sacrifice for his best friend, Mouch, his confirmed return is a huge relief for fans. His role as a mentor and father figure will be critical in providing stability and wisdom to the new recruits.
- Joe Minoso (Joe Cruz): As the heart of Squad 3 and the inventor of the “Slamigan,” Cruz is a fan favorite whose continued presence ensures the team’s dynamics remain intact.
- Christian Stolte (Randall “Mouch” McHolland): The beloved Mouch, who was at the center of a life-or-death scare in the finale, is confirmed to be returning. His survival and enduring friendship with Herrmann will undoubtedly be a major emotional theme in the new season.
- Hanako Greensmith (Violet Mikami): After the abrupt departure of her love interest, Carver, Violet will be faced with a new set of personal and professional challenges. Her character is expected to take on a more prominent role, and her journey to heal from past heartbreak will be a central focus.
- Dermot Mulroney (Chief Dom Pascal): The new Chief of Firehouse 51, who has already proven to be a complex and intriguing character, is confirmed to be returning. His presence at the top will continue to create a new dynamic within the firehouse.
- Jocelyn Hudon (Lyla Novak): Having joined in Season 12 as a recurring character, Novak has quickly become a fan favorite. Her promotion to a series regular will provide a welcome new dynamic and give Violet a much-needed partner on Ambulance 61.
The Future of Chicago Fire: An Evolution, Not an Ending
The cast changes for Chicago Fire Season 14 are not a sign of a show in decline; they are a sign of a show in a period of evolution. While the exits of beloved characters are always difficult for fans, they also present an exciting opportunity for new growth. The returning cast members are the sturdy foundation upon which the show can build a new future. The new characters are the fresh paint, the new stories that will keep the firehouse alive and burning bright. The end result is a season that will be both familiar and entirely new, a perfect combination for a show that has, for over a decade, captured our hearts.
