After seven years of bravery, loyalty, and heart, Chicago Fire fans are preparing to say goodbye to one of Firehouse 51’s most beloved characters. Daniel Kyri, who brought firefighter Darren Ritter to life, confirmed in a heartfelt Instagram post that Season 14 will mark his final appearance on the hit NBC drama.
What makes Kyri’s exit especially poignant is how unexpected and impactful his journey has been. Originally hired for just a three-episode arc, Kyri quickly captured both the writers’ attention and the audience’s hearts, evolving into a fixture of the show for nearly a decade. Now, after more than 130 episodes, he’s stepping away — but not without leaving a lasting legacy.
A Role That Changed His Life
“Yesterday, I filmed my last scenes as Ritter & I’m still so amazed that my first-ever TV gig… turned into seven incredible years (SEVEN?!?!! Whatttt???!) and spanned eight seasons of this iconic show!” Kyri wrote in his farewell post.
He went on to thank his castmates, crew members, and the fans who embraced him from day one. But perhaps the most powerful part of Kyri’s goodbye was his tribute to the character of Darren Ritter himself — a role that broke new ground in representation on network television.
“Chicago Fire changed my life. Bringing Darren Ritter to the screen has transformed & healed me in equal measure,” Kyri shared. “He is a man who embodies empathy, humility, compassion, and unwavering bravery… a gay Black firefighter who is proud, fierce, loyal, & whole — a possibility I never got to see onscreen in my childhood but desperately craved.”
Ritter’s Legacy in Firehouse 51
Over the years, Ritter grew from a young, eager recruit into one of the most dependable and compassionate members of Firehouse 51. His close bond with fellow firefighters, especially Mouch and Cruz, made him a fan favorite. More importantly, Ritter’s presence gave countless viewers — particularly LGBTQ+ and Black audiences — the rare chance to see themselves reflected as heroes in primetime.
Kyri acknowledged the significance of that visibility, writing: “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.”
More Goodbyes Ahead?
Kyri’s exit isn’t the only change coming to Chicago Fire. Jake Lockett, who portrays Sam Carver, is also set to leave in Season 14. And if showrunner Andrea Newman’s comments are any indication, more departures may be looming.
“We’re going to have a lot of turnover and a lot of craziness going on in the CFD from the top,” Newman teased after the Season 13 finale. “People are being cut and moved, and everything’s going to get shaken up next season. You never know who might get fired. There will be hellos, and there will be goodbyes. That’s for sure.”
Saying Goodbye, Holding On to Legacy
While Firehouse 51 has weathered many losses over the years, Kyri’s farewell feels especially personal — both for the fans and for the actor himself. His portrayal of Ritter wasn’t just another TV role; it was a symbol of progress, representation, and heart in a franchise built on courage.
As the series heads into another season of change, one thing is certain: Darren Ritter’s bravery, compassion, and humanity will remain a part of Firehouse 51’s DNA.
And for Daniel Kyri, his goodbye isn’t an ending — it’s a beginning.
