When it comes to Firehouse 51, transitions are nothing new—but the looming exit of Daniel Kyri’s Ritter in Chicago Fire Season 14 feels especially bittersweet. Though Season 13’s finale didn’t deliver much in the way of closure, one thing is certain: the firehouse is bracing for change. And surprisingly, Ritter’s ideal replacement has been here all along—quietly proving her worth with every shift.
Enter Kylie Estevez, played by Katelynn Shennett, a character who’s been part of Chicago Fire since Season 8 and is now primed for the spotlight.
🚨 The Calm Before the Shake-Up
NBC’s announcement of Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) exiting the series ahead of the Season 13 finale had fans expecting at least a half-hearted send-off. But with minimal resolution onscreen, the door remains wide open for how and when these exits will unfold. Showrunner Andrea Newman hinted that Carver might appear in Season 14—yet there’s been no word on Ritter’s final moments.
Regardless, the firehouse can’t function short-staffed. And while the addition of Brandon Larracuente to the cast promises new energy, it’s Kylie who quietly checks every box to become a regular.
🔥 Why Kylie Estevez Is the Perfect Fit
From Intern to Unsung Hero
Kylie’s journey from Girls on Fire graduate to administrative assistant, then part-time firefighter, is the kind of long arc Chicago Fire excels at. She’s been dedicated, detail-oriented, and fiercely loyal—often working behind the scenes to keep 51 running smoothly.
But Kylie’s no longer just paperwork and logistics. In Season 13, she jumped into the field again, playing a crucial role in tracking a citywide fire hydrant theft scheme with Herrmann. She proved she could problem-solve under pressure, think tactically, and collaborate with senior firefighters.
🚒 Chemistry You Can’t Fake
What makes Kylie stand out isn’t just her record—it’s how seamlessly she fits into the Firehouse 51 family. Her relationships with Kidd, Herrmann, and even Boden feel earned. Plus, Katelynn Shennett’s real-life comfort with the cast means there’s no need for introductory growing pains.
And that’s something you can’t teach. It’s organic, built across seasons, and now more valuable than ever as 51 preps for a potential double exit.
🤕 The Damon Dilemma
Of course, no promotion happens in a vacuum.
Jack Damon’s return in Season 13 threw a curveball, resulting in Kylie’s reduced screen time—despite her continued popularity with fans. Damon’s recent injury opened a temporary slot on Engine 51, but his expected recovery complicates things. If Damon returns to active duty, it may push Kylie back out of the field… unless the writers shake up the current Truck/Engine assignments.
Alternatively, Damon’s lung injury could force him into a less physically demanding role, giving Kylie the breathing room (pun intended) to finally thrive as a firefighter full-time.
💬 What Fans Are Saying
Across fan forums and Reddit threads, the verdict is nearly unanimous:
“Kylie’s earned it. She’s been putting in the work for years now.”
“She already is part of the team. Making her a regular just makes sense.”
“Ritter’s leaving hurts, but Kylie stepping up? That’s a win.”
🧯Looking Ahead to Season 14
With changes on the horizon, Chicago Fire Season 14 has the chance to honor Ritter’s legacy while giving Kylie the spotlight she deserves. Whether she lands permanently on Engine or Truck, the firehouse needs more than just a warm body—it needs heart, history, and hustle.
Kylie brings all three.
And if the writers are listening, fans are ready for her time to shine.
🔥 Sound Off: Would you like to see Kylie promoted in Season 14? Who do you think should take over Truck 81 or Engine 51? Join the conversation using #KylieDeservesIt and #Firehouse51.
Stay tuned for our next cast spotlight, plus our deep dive into what Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. are planning next.
