When Chicago Fire returns for its fourteenth season, Firehouse 51 won’t look the same. With Sam Carver and Darren Ritter gone, the team must adjust to new faces, fresh dynamics, and unexpected challenges. But no addition has sparked more curiosity—and concern—than Sal Vasquez, the “bad boy” firefighter set to shake up NBC’s long-running drama.
Played by 13 Reasons Why and The Good Doctor alum Brandon Larracuente, Vasquez arrives with a reputation that precedes him: rebellious, hot-headed, and not exactly known for playing by the rules. According to executive producer Andrea Newman, Sal’s unpredictable nature will become a major storyline in Season 14—and no one will feel the impact more than Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo).
A Clash of Authority: Stella vs. the Rebel Firefighter
Stella Kidd has built her career on being a natural leader. Fans have watched her evolve from ambitious firefighter to the strong, respected lieutenant of Truck 81. She’s earned a reputation for taking in misfits, pushing them to be better, and leading with both strength and compassion.
But Sal Vasquez? He’s the kind of firefighter who tests even the most patient leader.
“He’s kind of a rebel, he’s kind of a bad boy coming in,” Newman teased in an interview with TVLine. “He’s had a lot of problems with authority, personally and professionally. Stella has earned a reputation for her ability to whip people who need a little help into shape. We’ll come to see that she might just be the person who can manage Vasquez and keep him employed in the CFD and bring all of his best qualities to the front—and try not to kill him in the meantime.”
It’s a dynamic that sets the stage for a season filled with tension, comedy, and growth. Stella may see potential in Vasquez, but can she harness it before his rebellious streak undermines the entire firehouse?
The Mystery Behind His Arrival
While Vasquez’s personality may be enough to spark drama, his transfer to Firehouse 51 carries even bigger questions. Season 13 left audiences with the looming threat of citywide budget cuts, layoffs, and policy changes that threatened to dismantle the CFD’s stability.
Against this backdrop, Newman hints that Vasquez’s arrival is far from random.
“There is a mystery as to why, when all of this is going on and all these layoffs are happening and brownouts and new policies happening in the city, why is this guy being moved—not only to a new position, but to what’s known as the best firehouse in the city? How did that happen? And why did that happen?”
Could Vasquez be a pawn in a larger political game? Or is there more to his past than his “bad boy” reputation suggests?
Stella, Severide, and the Fallout
Of course, Stella won’t be handling Vasquez alone. Fans are already speculating that Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) may find himself drawn into the drama. As Stella’s husband and Firehouse 51’s most seasoned investigator, Severide may be both an ally and a counterbalance as Stella tries to keep Vasquez on track.
Will Severide support his wife’s efforts to guide the newcomer—or will his protective instincts clash with Stella’s leadership style? One thing is certain: Stella and Severide’s marriage, already tested in past seasons, will once again be at the center of Firehouse 51’s evolving storylines.
What This Means for Firehouse 51
The arrival of Sal Vasquez isn’t just about one new firefighter; it represents a broader shift in Chicago Fire’s storytelling. Season 14 promises to dive deeper into how institutions like the CFD grapple with instability, politics, and the challenge of holding onto their best people.
Sal’s storyline, intertwined with layoffs and budget cuts, will provide both an outsider’s perspective and a fresh source of tension inside the firehouse. Whether he ultimately becomes a trusted member of the 51 family—or a cautionary tale—remains to be seen.
Our Take: Why Sal Vasquez Could Become Season 14’s Breakout Character
Love him or hate him, Sal Vasquez is positioned to be one of the most talked-about characters this season. His chemistry with Stella Kidd will likely drive some of the show’s most memorable moments, blending conflict with reluctant mentorship. At the same time, the mystery surrounding his transfer gives him a narrative weight that goes beyond just being a new recruit.
As Newman hints, Stella may be the only one capable of keeping him in line. But Chicago Fire fans know that at Firehouse 51, no one gets by without earning their place. Vasquez’s journey promises fireworks, and for Stella Kidd, it could be her biggest leadership test yet.
🔥 Bottom Line: Season 14 won’t just be about putting out fires—it’ll be about navigating the unpredictable blaze that Sal Vasquez brings to Firehouse 51. And at the heart of it all, Stella Kidd must decide whether to tame him, trust him, or let him burn out.
