Heading into Chicago Fire season 14, Herrmann has a big problem to deal with, and, on the surface, it might seem like Pascal is at fault, when, in reality, the blame falls on Boden. As many will recall, Eamonn Walker’s Boden left Chicago Fire in 2024. After 12 seasons and more than 250 episodes, Boden is no longer Firehouse 51’s chief.
Dermot Mulroney’s Pascal replaced Boden in Chicago Fire season 13, and as of the finale, he remains the fire station’s chief. At first, it was unclear whether Pascal would be a permanent fixture at Firehouse 51. He butted heads with some of the firefighters (like Kidd). However, Pascal has become a part of the family, and he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
Chief Boden Was The One Who Decided Herrmann’s Firehouse 51 Goal
Boden Wanted Herrmann To Be His Successor
During the Chicago Fire season 12 finale, Boden expressed to Herrmann that he wanted him to take his place as Firehouse 51’s chief once he left. Before that, Herrmann’s desire to be a chief someday was nonexistent. The firefighter seemingly never even thought about stepping into Boden’s shoes until the former chief told him that he wanted him to be his successor.
Of course, Herrmann was an obvious choice. He is one of the original Chicago Fire characters, having been around since the pilot in 2012. If anyone could lead Firehouse 51, it would be Herrmann, given his experience and close connection with the other firefighters and paramedics. However, Boden forced him down that path, and now, he’s nowhere close to becoming chief.
As viewers learned in the Chicago Fire season 13 premiere, Herrmann didn’t meet all the requirements to earn the chief title by the time Boden left. So, the CFD had to find someone else to replace Boden; enter Pascal. Herrmann still tried to take all the steps necessary to become a chief, but he ultimately decided to step back in the finale.
How Chicago Fire Season 14 Can Fix Its Major Herrmann Issue
Firehouse 51 Already Has A Chief
Herrmann chose not to take the final test to earn the chief title in the Chicago Fire season 13 finale. Instead, he took a demotion so that Mouch could take over as Engine 51’s lieutenant. With Pascal still there and since he didn’t take the exam, Herrmann is back to being a regular firefighter in season 14.
Perhaps Herrmann will be satisfied with going backwards in his career for the time being. But there has to be a time when Herrmann wants his old leadership position back (or when he misses getting a higher salary). This could cause some tension and resentment between Herrmann and Mouch in season 14, which would be unfortunate but would also make sense.
Herrmann could have an epiphany and decide that he wants to become chief after all. While the characters and some fans have grown to love Pascal, he’s got nothing on Herrmann, who is one of Chicago Fire’s best characters. As such, Chicago Fire season 14 could feature Herrmann taking the chief exam, but only time will tell his fate.
