In Chicago Fire Season 13, leadership at Firehouse 51 has been anything but steady. Since arriving earlier this season, Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) has operated with a stricter, more by-the-book style than his predecessor, Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker). This has created tension with veterans like Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). But in Episode 16, “In the Rubble,” Pascal’s carefully built authority begins to unravel — and it all hinges on one risky, emotionally charged decision that could end up being the undoing of Firehouse 51.
At the heart of this brewing storm is the return of Jack Damon, Severide’s half-brother, whose history with the firehouse is checkered at best. Damon was transferred out after a series of incidents involving insubordination, reckless decision-making, and dishonesty about botched calls. Against the advice of his crew — and despite his own doubts — Pascal greenlights Damon’s transfer back to 51. The timing of the decision is telling: Pascal is in the depths of personal grief after learning from Violet (Hanako Greensmith) about the death of his wife, Monica.
His judgment takes a dangerous turn. In the wake of Monica’s death, Pascal throws himself into risky situations on calls, including one scene where he jeopardizes his own life to rescue a victim during a workplace accident. This impulsiveness only grows worse, culminating in Severide confronting him about his increasingly erratic behavior — which, at one point, includes stalking the man he blames for Monica’s death. While Pascal apologizes, his decision to rehire Damon feels less like a well-reasoned personnel move and more like a hasty concession to Severide, possibly to keep the veteran lieutenant from escalating concerns to higher-ups.
A Decision With Fallout Written All Over It
By the time Pascal signs Damon’s transfer papers, the foundation for a disaster has already been laid. Damon’s track record suggests trouble, and Pascal’s current state of mind makes him ill-equipped to manage the potential fallout. As any Chicago Fire fan knows, poor judgment in the CFD has a way of leading to catastrophic calls — the kind that leave both careers and lives in jeopardy.
That’s why the upcoming return of Chief Boden in Episode 18 is such a tantalizing prospect. Set to air April 16, 2025, the episode will see Boden back at Firehouse 51 to investigate why a house collapsed during a call, trapping a firefighter inside. The fact that his inquiry starts at 51 strongly hints that the station itself — and by extension, its current leadership — may bear responsibility for the tragedy. If Damon’s reckless tendencies resurface during this incident, it could connect directly back to Pascal’s controversial decision to bring him aboard.
Boden’s Comeback: Cleanup or Takeover?
The big question: Is Boden returning solely as an investigator, or could this be the first step toward reclaiming his old post? The narrative pieces are aligning for his return to be more than just a cameo. A collapsed building, a firefighter in peril, a leader whose judgment is clouded by grief — all of this sets the stage for Boden to step in, steady the ship, and possibly oust Pascal if his leadership is found lacking.
For viewers, this storyline is more than just a procedural twist. It’s a collision of personal grief, professional responsibility, and high-stakes rescue work — all hallmarks of Chicago Fire at its best. And if history is any guide, Boden’s arrival will be a turning point, either restoring stability or sparking a leadership battle that will shake Firehouse 51 to its core.
