Warning: Spoilers ahead for the 2025 One Chicago crossover.
The highly anticipated One Chicago crossover event brought together the teams from Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. for a massive emergency—but one major character was noticeably absent: Chief Wallace Boden.
Boden, played by Eamonn Walker, has been a core part of Chicago Fire since its inception, serving as Firehouse 51’s steadfast leader for over a decade. However, his storyline took a turn in Chicago Fire Season 12, when he was promoted to Deputy Fire Commissioner and stepped away from his role as chief. While his new position still allows for the possibility of guest appearances, Boden was missing from the 2025 crossover event, leaving many fans wondering why.
Why Boden’s Absence Was a Missed Opportunity
The One Chicago crossover revolved around a devastating gas explosion in a government building, an event that demanded an all-hands-on-deck response from first responders across the city. Given Boden’s new high-ranking role within the Chicago Fire Department, it would have made sense for him to be involved—whether overseeing operations, coordinating efforts, or simply checking in on Firehouse 51.
Additionally, this crossover marked the first in six years, making it a nostalgic and significant event for fans. Bringing back a beloved original character like Boden would have added to the excitement and emotional weight of the night.
Why Chief Boden Didn’t Return
Despite the compelling reasons for Boden to appear, there’s a major reason why Chicago Fire and the One Chicago team decided to keep him out of the 2025 crossover: the franchise’s future.
NBC and Wolf Entertainment have been working to revitalize the series following the departure of several key characters, including Sylvie Brett, Blake Gallo, and, of course, Boden himself. While longtime fans would have welcomed a cameo from Boden, his presence could have also served as a reminder of all the recent exits, making it harder for the audience to fully embrace the new leadership and direction of the show.
Instead, the focus was placed on Boden’s replacement, Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney). The crossover gave Pascal a chance to prove himself in a high-stakes situation, interacting with key figures from Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. Although he initially made a bad first impression, the event allowed him to step up and establish his place as Firehouse 51’s new leader.
Will Chief Boden Return in the Future?
Boden’s absence doesn’t mean he’s gone forever. As Deputy Fire Commissioner, he still has deep ties to Firehouse 51 and could easily return for special episodes. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but for now, Chicago Fire is committed to moving forward with its revamped ensemble and new leadership.
Fans may have missed seeing Boden in action during the crossover, but his legacy is still very much a part of One Chicago—and who knows? The right moment for his return may come sooner than we think.
