Farewell to Carver, Hello to Vasquez
Chicago Fire fans will feel a sting of loss when season 14 premieres, as Jake Lockett’s Sam Carver won’t be returning. Carver’s departure leaves a noticeable hole at Firehouse 51, but the NBC drama isn’t wasting any time filling that space. Enter Brandon Larracuente as Sal Vasquez—a confident, charming, and slightly arrogant new firefighter who’s already stirring up drama.
The introduction of Vasquez marks a fresh era for the firehouse. But will his attitude make him a valuable asset or a potential liability?
A Cocky First Impression
In a teaser clip released by One Chicago’s official Instagram, Vasquez meets Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) for the first time. She informs him that he’s replacing “a hell of a good driver”—a respectful nod to Carver’s skills. But instead of showing humility, Vasquez quips, “Not as good as me.”
The response doesn’t sit well with Kidd, who’s immediately put off by his cocky self-assurance. Fans were quick to pick up on the tension, wondering if Vasquez’s bravado will clash with Kidd’s leadership.
Kidd vs. Vasquez: A Clash of Styles
Miranda Rae Mayo has already hinted at the rocky dynamic between Kidd and Vasquez. “Kidd is just kind of annoyed by the cockiness that he portrays,” she explained. Meanwhile, Larracuente defended his character, suggesting that what others see as arrogance is actually ambition. Vasquez, he says, simply wants to be the best firefighter he can be.
This isn’t the first time Chicago Fire has explored tensions between rookies and their superiors. Past storylines have shown how reckless behavior can have dire consequences. Whether Vasquez proves to be a liability or grows into a dependable team member will be one of season 14’s most compelling arcs.
Reckless, Impulsive, and Full of Potential
The preview also gives fans a glimpse of Vasquez behind the wheel. He’s fast, he’s daring, and he’s not exactly quick to follow orders. While this impulsiveness could spell trouble, it also suggests raw talent waiting to be shaped. With mentors like Kidd, Mouch, and the rest of Firehouse 51 guiding him, Vasquez might transform into one of the team’s strongest assets.
But as any Chicago Fire fan knows, growth never comes without conflict. Vasquez’s journey is likely to be a rollercoaster of setbacks, breakthroughs, and personal tests.
Sparks With Novak?
Adding another layer of intrigue, Jocelyn Hudon—who plays paramedic Lizzie Novak—described Vasquez as “mysterious” and “dangerous.” In one clip, he’s even seen flirting with Novak, hinting at potential romantic sparks.
Will Novak and Vasquez’s chemistry ignite into something more? Or will Novak’s romantic future cross over into Chicago Med instead? Either way, fans are already buzzing about the possibilities, with Vasquez positioned at the heart of both professional and personal drama.
A Warm Welcome Behind the Scenes
Despite the tension his character stirs on-screen, Larracuente revealed that joining the One Chicago family has been nothing short of heartwarming. Castmates embraced him both on set and in the city of Chicago itself, making the transition seamless.
Still, as fans prepare to say goodbye to not just Carver, but also Damon and eventually Ritter, the pressure on Vasquez to win hearts is real. Early buzz suggests that viewers are already intrigued—if not completely smitten—with the fiery newcomer.
