A Leadership Shake-Up Looms Over Firehouse 51
Season 14 of Chicago Fire is already proving to be one of the most unpredictable yet — filled with exits, promotions, and power shifts that could forever alter Firehouse 51. The latest speculation centers on Battalion Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), whose future at the station appears increasingly uncertain following recent developments.
As fans know, the CFD is under pressure due to major budget cuts. Fewer rigs, fewer ambulances, and — most critically — plans to eliminate six battalion chiefs have left the firehouses of Chicago on edge. Though Pascal was initially assured that his job was safe, new political tensions suggest otherwise.
And if the axe does fall, there’s one man fans agree should step into the chief’s chair: Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney).
Why Chief Pascal Could Be in Trouble
Pascal’s storyline this season has been a masterclass in quiet tension. Still grieving the loss of his wife, he’s thrown himself into work — but that focus might not save him. When the mayor’s chief of staff, Annette Davis, not only informs him of the pending layoffs but later asks him out, his decision to politely decline could have serious consequences.
If Davis is as vindictive as she appears, Pascal might find himself on the CFD’s “cut list” before long. As one of the show’s newer authority figures, his exit would create a significant leadership void — and it’s hard to imagine Chicago Fire not already laying the groundwork for his replacement.
Kelly Severide: Firehouse 51’s Natural Successor
If Pascal does depart, there’s only one logical successor: Kelly Severide.
Severide’s leadership, experience, and deep roots in Firehouse 51 make him the obvious choice to step into the role of battalion chief. He’s been with the CFD since the very first episode, evolving from a reckless but gifted lieutenant to a thoughtful and strategic leader. Over the years, he’s led Squad 3 through countless life-or-death rescues, mentored rookies, and tackled some of the department’s toughest arson cases.
Even narratively, the show has been positioning Severide as the heart and moral compass of the firehouse since Boden’s (Eamonn Walker) departure. Taking on the chief’s role would be the natural next step — a symbolic passing of the torch from one era of leadership to another.
The Severide–Pascal Dynamic
Interestingly, Chicago Fire has spent much of the past two seasons developing a growing professional respect between Severide and Pascal. Their initial friction — Pascal’s cautious pragmatism clashing with Severide’s instinctive, risk-taking nature — has softened into mutual trust. They’ve collaborated closely on arson investigations and leadership decisions, with Pascal often seeking Severide’s insight.
Should Pascal be forced out, the emotional weight of that mentorship would make Severide’s promotion feel earned and poignant. It’s a transition that honors both characters’ journeys while keeping Firehouse 51’s leadership firmly within the ranks of those who built it.
Where Herrmann Fits Into the Picture
Of course, any shift in hierarchy will ripple through the rest of the team — and that could mean big changes for Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg).
Having recently stepped down as lieutenant on Engine 51 (with Mouch taking over), Herrmann has struggled to adjust to a less active role. Moving him into Severide’s old position as Squad 3’s lieutenant would satisfy his need for responsibility without the administrative headaches of a chief’s post.
It would also create a meaningful balance: Severide leading from the top, Herrmann back in the thick of the action, and Firehouse 51 once again anchored by veterans who know its history and heart.
The Future of Firehouse 51
If Chicago Fire follows through with these changes, Season 14 could mark the beginning of a new era — one defined by legacy and renewal. Severide as chief feels not only inevitable but fitting; it’s the culmination of years of growth, sacrifice, and loyalty to both his team and the job.
Of course, in true Chicago Fire fashion, nothing is certain until it happens — and Pascal’s fate could still shift. But should the CFD’s layoffs reach Firehouse 51, fans can rest assured that the next generation of leadership is already waiting in the wings.
