For twelve seasons, Eamonn Walker was the undisputed patriarch of the “One Chicago” universe as Chief Wallace Boden, the steadfast leader of Firehouse 51 on Chicago Fire. His departure in the Season 12 finale, which saw him promoted to the powerful role of Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), marked the end of an era and signaled a significant shift in the show’s dynamic.
While Boden is now technically the boss of the entire CFD, including his former firehouse, his brief but impactful return in the recent Season 13 episode “Post-Mortem” has ignited a passionate fan debate: Will Wallace Boden actually give up his desk job and return to Firehouse 51?
Eamonn Walker himself has been candid about his openness to returning, driven by his love for the cast, crew, and, most importantly, the character who “lives inside of me.” The narrative dynamics established by his promotion—and the current turbulence at 51 under Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney)—make a full or partial reversion for Boden not just possible, but arguably narratively necessary to restore stability to the beloved firehouse. The path from the high-ranking office back to the familiar Chief’s desk has never been clearer.
💔 The Heart vs. The Head: Why Boden Can’t Stay Away
Boden’s promotion to Deputy Commissioner was the culmination of a decade of hard work and political maneuvering, but it came at a high cost: separating him from his Firehouse 51 family. The character is now forced to lead with his head, focusing on city-wide politics and protocol, rather than his heart, which remains fiercely loyal to the men and women of 51.
The Investigation That Hurt
Boden’s return in the Season 13 episode “Post-Mortem” served as a powerful reminder of this conflict. He came back as an “inquisitor,” investigating a devastating fire mishap that left a firefighter in peril.
- Friendship vs. Duty: Walker revealed that this mission was doubly hard because he had to investigate his friends and extended family. He was forced to shut down their desire for the “old relationship back” to fulfill his duty.
- The Draw of the Action: While the role of Deputy Commissioner is critical, the investigation brought Boden back to the action, the intensity, and the life-and-death decisions that truly define his character. It highlighted how disconnected he is now from the front lines, a separation that likely chafes at the veteran firefighter.
Boden’s career has always been defined by his willingness to put his job on the line for his crew. Being in a position where he might have to fire them, rather than defend them, creates an impossible ethical quandary that could ultimately push him away from the Deputy Commissioner role.
📉 The Pascal Problem: A Vacuum of Leadership
Another significant factor propelling the Chicago Fire narrative toward a possible Boden return is the introduction of Chief Dom Pascal. While Dermot Mulroney’s portrayal has been compelling, the new chief’s integration into the 51 family has been turbulent.
The Comparison is Unfair
Pascal replaced a figure who had been a father, mentor, and protector to the crew for twelve years. No chief could instantly fill Boden’s shoes.
- Clash with the Crew: Pascal immediately butted heads with established leaders like Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). His leadership style, perceived as less personal and more procedural than Boden’s, created tension and instability in the firehouse.
- The Void: The firehouse, which runs on personal loyalty and deep history, is currently missing that foundational, unshakeable stability Boden provided. The crew needs a leader who understands their unique history and is willing to fight city hall for them—a role Pascal has yet to convincingly fulfill.
If the writers want to restore the familiar, beloved dynamic of Firehouse 51, having Boden return—even if only in a recurring capacity—could be the perfect move to restore balance and potentially write out the current chief, either by transfer or promotion.
🤞 Eamonn Walker’s Open Door Policy
The best reason for the fans to maintain hope is the actor’s own enthusiasm for the role and the “One Chicago” family.
“Boden Lives Inside of Me”
Eamonn Walker has made it clear that leaving the set as a series regular was a personal decision related to the grueling schedule of broadcast television, but his connection to the character and the cast remains absolute.
“Once a part of Chicago Fire, always a part of Chicago Fire for everybody that you’ve ever seen come and go,” Walker noted, expressing his gratitude. He specifically mentioned that if the writers “write it, I will always come back and do it if I can be here.”
This “open door” policy, combined with showrunner Andrea Newman’s expressed excitement over his return, means that Boden’s absence is a matter of logistics, not finality. It is highly likely that Boden will appear in future episodes, especially if the drama at 51 spirals out of control, forcing the Deputy Commissioner to intervene personally.
The Ultimate Sacrifice Plot
The most compelling plot for a permanent return would be a “sacrifice play” where Boden recognizes the political system is flawed, leading him to deliberately step down from his high-ranking but restrictive office to reclaim the job he truly loves: Chief of Firehouse 51. This would be a potent storyline about choosing family and purpose over power and prestige, perfectly fitting Boden’s character.
🔑 Conclusion: The Return is Inevitable
The shift of Wallace Boden from Firehouse 51 Chief to Deputy Commissioner was necessary for Eamonn Walker’s life and a fascinating new chapter for the character. However, the emotional toll of the distance, the instability at his former home, and the actor’s own desire to revisit the role all strongly suggest that Boden’s story at 51 is not finished.
Whether he returns as the permanent Chief after a demotion, or as a heavily recurring Deputy Commissioner who spends more time at 51 than his downtown office, Eamonn Walker’s open door guarantees that the strong, comforting presence of Wallace Boden will continue to define the heart and soul of Chicago Fire.
