When Chief Wallace Boden announced his sudden retirement at the start of Season 14, fans were blindsided—but no one more than the firefighters he led for years. With Firehouse 51 struggling to find its footing, cracks are beginning to show.
Severide’s Reluctant Rise to Command
Though the department offered him the acting Chief role, Severide initially declined. However, after a string of poorly handled rescues under a temporary outsider commander, Severide stepped up—not out of ambition, but necessity. But can he balance leadership with his specialty role in arson investigations?
Herrmann and Mouch Struggle to Maintain Morale
Without Boden’s steady hand, tensions run high. Herrmann becomes the unspoken emotional leader, trying to keep the team together while Mouch, still recovering from last season’s health scare, starts questioning his place at 51.
Boden’s Influence Still Lingers
Even in absence, Boden’s leadership style remains the compass by which decisions are judged. Several episodes reflect back on moments where his mentorship shaped characters—especially Stella and Gallo.
