Chicago Fire’s Newest Hero Feels Familiar—Because They’re Repeating Severide’s Best Storyline

Firehouse 51 gains a new family member in Chicago Fire season 14, and their story might sound familiar to viewers as it’s similar to Kelly Severide’s. Two series regulars stepped down following the season 13 finale — Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett. In the wake of their exits, the show needs to find a new firefighter, and that’s where Brandon Larracuente steps in.

Larracuente joins the Chicago Fire season 14 cast as a series regular. He is set to play a new Firehouse 51 firefighter named Sal Vasquez, who should fill one of the open spots left by Darren Ritter and Sam Carver’s departures (depending on what happens in the upcoming episodes). When he first appears, Sal’s arc will seemingly replicate one of Severide’s stories.

Sal Vasquez’s Story Just Sounds Like Jack Damon’s Pre-Redemption Arc

Sal Also Comes From A First Responder Family

During an interview with TV Insider, Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman revealed new details about Larracuente’s Sal and his background heading into season 14. According to Newman, Sal has a complicated and mysterious past (like most characters in the NBC procedural drama TV series) that plays a big role in his story in season 14. The Chicago Fire showrunner teased:

“The charming Sal Vasquez is the new addition to 51, and, like Severide, this character is rich with family history in the first responder world, much of it buried. But not for long. Vasquez will prove a real challenge to Kidd, his new lieutenant, as well as to Novak as she tries to get to know this seemingly unknowable guy.”

Newman even likens Sal to Severide herself. While that comparison appears to be true, it sounds like the show’s new Chicago Fire character also shares some similarities with Severide’s half-brother, Jack Damon. All the men in question come from first responder families, and they all began (or will begin) Chicago Fire as young, smug, and charming firefighters.

Perhaps Sal will step into Damon’s role in Chicago Fire season 14, with Severide taking him under his wing. Severide’s most intriguing storyline as of late has been his relationship with Damon and his trying to guide his younger brother in the right direction. So, Sal’s character recycling that story might seem repetitive, but it could actually be good for Sal and Severide.

Why Sal’s Story Can Significantly Impact The Future Of Firehouse 51

Kidd Will Have Her Hands Full With Sal

Sal has the opportunity to make his mark on Firehouse 51 early on in the One Chicago TV show. As Newman said, Larracuente’s character gives Stella Kidd issues and is similar to Severide. As such, his relationship with both lieutenants could have a large impact on their season 14 stories (including their pregnancy, if Sal causes Kidd too much stress).

Additionally, Sal forms a connection with Lizzie Novak in the upcoming episodes. Sal and Novak could be Firehouse 51’s next great romance, but it might take a while to get there, given that his character is secretive. Whatever the case, only time will tell what Chicago Fire does with the new firefighter and exactly how he’ll affect the series.