In a revelation that’s melting hearts across the One Chicago fandom, longtime Chicago Fire star David Eigenberg has opened up about why his beloved character, Christopher Herrmann, has never wanted to become Chief — and his answer is as humble, emotional, and deeply human as Herrmann himself. Fans have always wondered why the fiercely loyal and battle-tested firefighter, who’s seen nearly everything Firehouse 51 can throw at him, has never stepped into a leadership role beyond lieutenant. Now, after more than a decade of portraying one of TV’s most grounded heroes, Eigenberg is setting the record straight — and it’s not the reason you’d expect.
In a recent interview, Eigenberg admitted that Herrmann’s refusal to climb the ranks has nothing to do with fear or lack of ability. In fact, he says it’s an intentional choice that reflects Herrmann’s values and worldview. “Herrmann doesn’t want the title,” Eigenberg revealed. “He wants the connection. He’s a boots-on-the-ground kind of guy — he wants to be in the truck, he wants to feel the heat, he wants to help people directly. That’s where his heart is.”
The actor, who’s been with Chicago Fire since its 2012 premiere, said that Herrmann’s sense of duty has always been deeply personal. “He’s the kind of man who measures success by impact, not by rank,” Eigenberg explained. “He’s not chasing power — he’s chasing purpose. And honestly, I love that about him.”
For fans who’ve watched Herrmann grow from a fiery, outspoken veteran to a steady pillar of wisdom and compassion, Eigenberg’s words hit home. “Herrmann’s never been about politics or status,” he continued. “He’s the guy who holds the team together when things fall apart. Every firehouse needs that — the person who leads by example, not by title.”
Over the years, Chicago Fire has explored multiple leadership transitions, from Boden’s steady command to Severide’s internal conflicts and Kidd’s evolving role as a leader. But Herrmann has remained constant — a voice of reason, humility, and heart in a profession often defined by hierarchy. “There’s something noble about staying where you’re needed most,” Eigenberg said. “Herrmann knows who he is. He doesn’t need a new office or a new title to prove that.”
Interestingly, show insiders have confirmed that Herrmann has been approached — both in-universe and by the show’s writers — with opportunities to rise higher in rank. But every time, he’s turned it down. “It’s not that he couldn’t do it,” a producer explained. “Herrmann could absolutely be a Chief — he has the experience, the respect, the leadership skills. But he doesn’t want to leave the front line. That’s what makes him who he is.”
Eigenberg’s admiration for Herrmann runs deep, and he admits the character’s priorities often mirror his own. “Herrmann’s about loyalty — to his crew, to his family, to the job,” he said. “And I think that’s something I connect with personally. He’s a man who knows that leadership doesn’t always mean standing above others. Sometimes it means standing with them.”
Fans have long speculated that Herrmann’s humility could one day lead to a storyline where he’s reluctantly pushed toward leadership — perhaps in a moment of crisis or loss. But for now, Eigenberg seems content with where Herrmann is. “He’s happiest where he can make a difference face-to-face,” he shared. “He’s seen enough bureaucracy to know it’s not for him. He needs to feel the heartbeat of the firehouse — that’s his fuel.”
That sentiment resonates deeply with longtime Chicago Fire viewers, who’ve seen Herrmann embody the working-class spirit that defines the show. From his unwavering loyalty to his hilarious yet heartfelt moments at Molly’s Pub, Herrmann has always been the emotional glue holding Firehouse 51 together. “He’s the soul of Chicago Fire,” one fan posted online. “Not flashy, not political — just real.”
Eigenberg says the writers understand that perfectly. “They’ve always honored who Herrmann is,” he said. “They’ve never forced him into something that doesn’t fit. He’s a mentor, a friend, a guy who makes mistakes but owns them. That’s what people connect to — his honesty.”
As Chicago Fire enters its fourteenth season, Herrmann continues to serve as a reminder of what true heroism looks like. While others chase promotions or struggle with ambition, he stays grounded — loyal to the station, his crew, and the community he’s sworn to protect. “There’s dignity in staying where you’re needed,” Eigenberg said softly. “Not everyone needs to move up to matter. Herrmann knows that — and that’s why I think he’s one of the most real characters on TV.”
It’s that authenticity that has made both Herrmann and Eigenberg fan favorites. In an industry where characters often evolve for the sake of drama, Herrmann’s steadfastness feels refreshing — even heroic in its simplicity. “Sometimes the greatest leaders are the ones who never ask to lead,” Eigenberg added. “They just do it, every single day, by showing up.”
Unsurprisingly, fans have flooded social media with praise for both the actor and the character since his comments surfaced. “David Eigenberg just gets it,” one fan wrote. “Herrmann doesn’t need to be Chief — he already is one, in spirit.” Another posted, “The show’s heart beats through Herrmann. Always has, always will.”
As for whether Herrmann will ever change his mind and take the Chief’s badge someday, Eigenberg laughed. “Never say never,” he said. “But if he does, it won’t be because he wants it — it’ll be because the firehouse needs him to. That’s who he is. He’ll always put others first.”
For now, fans can rest assured that Herrmann is exactly where he belongs — right in the middle of the action, leading not from an office, but from the heart. And in a city like Chicago, that might just be the bravest choice of all.🔥
