Christopher Herrmann, portrayed by David Eigenberg, has been a cornerstone of Chicago Fire since its debut. A veteran firefighter at Firehouse 51, Herrmann’s journey has been marked by personal growth, moments of heroism, and a deep connection with his colleagues. But as Chicago Fire enters its 13th season, the possibility of Herrmann moving on to the next phase of his career looms large.
Eigenberg recently spoke with TV Line about Herrmann’s future and the pivotal choices his character faces. With a captain’s exam on the horizon, Herrmann must decide whether to advance his career or remain at Firehouse 51, the team he’s called family for over a decade.
Herrmann Prepares for a Life-Changing Decision
According to Eigenberg, the November 20 fall finale will see Herrmann tackling the captain’s exam. The results could drastically alter his future: will he stay at 51, or will he move on to new opportunities? Eigenberg acknowledges the internal conflict his character is grappling with:
“That’s a hard thing to do—to worry about being responsible for people and also stepping away from the old life.”
Herrmann’s deep loyalty to Firehouse 51 is evident, but his ambition and desire to have a greater impact could push him toward a leadership role beyond the firehouse.
What Does This Mean for Firehouse 51?
Herrmann’s possible promotion could shake up Firehouse 51 in unexpected ways. One notable implication is its impact on Chief Dom Pascal (played by Dermot Mulroney). Pascal has been working to establish himself as a strong leader, but his position might be in jeopardy if Herrmann passes his exam and is seen as a better fit for the role.
Pascal’s future remains uncertain. While Eigenberg praised Mulroney’s performance and presence on the show, he admitted he wouldn’t want Pascal to leave.
“I honestly don’t know what they’re going to do, and I can say that I don’t want him to go,” Eigenberg revealed.
Big Changes Ahead for Mouch and Other Characters
The potential career shake-up for Herrmann isn’t the only major development this season. Eigenberg hinted at “huge life changes” for Mouch (played by Christian Stolte), another longtime Firehouse 51 favorite. What those changes entail remains unclear, but they promise to add more depth and intrigue to the season.
Meanwhile, Firehouse 51 is still adjusting to Pascal’s leadership. His tenure has been a mixed bag of earning the team’s respect while navigating internal and external challenges. If Herrmann moves into a higher leadership role, it could create new dynamics—or tensions—within the firehouse.
A Fall Finale Packed with High Stakes
Season 13 has been a mix of character-driven storytelling and dramatic firefighting moments, but Herrmann’s captain exam sets the stage for a game-changing fall finale. Fans will finally get answers about his future, Pascal’s role, and the evolving dynamics of Firehouse 51.
As Eigenberg hinted, the upcoming episode has the potential to “rock the boat,” delivering one of the season’s most emotionally charged moments. After years of seeing Herrmann as the steadfast backbone of Firehouse 51, viewers will be on the edge of their seats to see if he stays or ventures into a new chapter of his career.
