Chicago Fire Season 14: An Emotional and Dramatic Start
When Chicago Fire returns for its 14th season on Wednesday, October 1, fans can prepare for an episode that promises to be both emotional and a start. NBC has released the first official photos from the episode, titled “Kicking Down Doors,” revealing some of the dramatic developments that could become one of the most impressive openings in the series’ history.
From the emotional farewell of a beloved character to the explosive arrival of a new firefighter, Firehouse 51 is about to face changes that will deeply affect the entire team.
Ritter’s Farewell: The End of a Favorite
New images show Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) will still be on duty in the season premiere, standing alongside his teammates at Firehouse 51. However, with Kyri officially leaving the series this season, fans are left wondering: will this be Ritter’s last heroic moments?
NBC is keeping details of Ritter’s departure under wraps, not revealing whether it will be a quiet farewell or a devastating shock. Either way, Ritter’s absence will undoubtedly leave an emotional void at the firehouse—one that could have lasting effects on the entire team.
Meet Sal Vasquez: Firehouse 51’s New “Bad Boy”
When one door closes, another opens—and this time with a bang. Brandon Larracuente joins the cast as Sal Vasquez, a talented but rebellious firefighter.
“Sal is very good at his job and he knows it,” Larracuente told TV Insider. “He wants to be the best, and he wants to protect everyone around him along the way.”
However, Vasquez’s first meeting with Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) suggests that fitting into the tight-knit team won’t be easy. A featurette reveals that Vasquez’s confidence and rule-breaking habits immediately clash with Stella’s strict leadership style.
Can Kidd turn Vasquez into a true team player, or will this bad boy further throw Firehouse 51 into chaos?
A New Era of Leadership: Herrmann Passes the Torch to Mouch
At the end of Season 13, Herrmann (David Eigenberg) surprisingly stepped down from his leadership role. Now, the torch has been passed to his longtime friend Mouch (Christian Stolte) in some unexpected ways.
“Mouch really steps up and takes charge,” showrunner Andrea Newman revealed to TV Insider. Fans can expect emotional moments mixed with the hardships that arise as Mouch adjusts to his new role.
Short Budgets, Overloaded Ambulances, and High Pressure
Season 14 not only focuses on staffing changes, but also reflects the harsh realities of city budget cuts. With limited resources and increased demands, every member of Firehouse 51 will feel the pressure.
“The budget cuts are going to affect everyone at the firehouse this season. It’s a real shakeup,” Newman confirmed.
Violet (Hanako Greensmith) will be under the most pressure, handling the massive number of ambulance calls, relying on Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) and occasional support from Capp (Randy Flagler). But will the ambulance crew be able to keep up with the growing pressure?
A New Chief and Political Warfare
The new season also welcomes Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal, who must manage the fire department while navigating the city’s political turmoil.
Things get even more tense when Annette Davis (Annabeth Gish), the mayor’s assistant, appears for a long-running arc. Newman describes Davis as “a mystery,” leaving viewers guessing her true intentions.
Photos from the premiere suggest a tense confrontation between Pascal and Davis, raising the stakes for the entire team. Will Davis help protect Firehouse 51 from budget cuts, or will he put the pressure on the team even more?
