For fans of the One Chicago universe, the departure of Wallace Boden at the end of Season 12 felt like the end of an era. However, as Season 13 unfolds in 2026, the heartbreak has turned into a massive celebration. Eamonn Walker, the backbone of Firehouse 51 for over a decade, has officially returned to the screen, sparking a wave of excitement across the fandom.
This isn’t just a brief cameo; it is a strategic and epic comeback that reaffirms Boden’s status as the ultimate “Papa Bear” of the Chicago Fire Department.
From Chief to Deputy Commissioner: The New Dynamic
When we last saw Wallace Boden, he was promoted to Deputy Commissioner, a role that forced him to leave the daily operations of Firehouse 51. While the promotion was a victory for the character, it left a leadership void that new Chief Dom Pascal (played by Dermot Mulroney) had to fill.
In the current 2026 storyline, Boden’s return is masterfully woven into the political fabric of the CFD.
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The Bureaucratic Shield: Boden isn’t back to pull levers on the truck; he is returning as the powerful ally 51 desperately needs. With Pascal’s leadership style clashing with the veterans like Severide and Herrmann, Boden’s “epic comeback” sees him stepping in from headquarters to protect his old crew from departmental red tape.
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The “Boden Special”: Fans have already been treated to his signature gravelly-voiced pep talks. His return provides the emotional tether that many felt was missing during the early episodes of Season 13.
Why Eamonn Walker’s Return Matters
The return of Eamonn Walker is significant for both the narrative and the production. At the time of his departure, it was clarified that Walker wanted to step back to spend more time with his family, but he never intended to leave the “One Chicago” family forever.
His recurring presence in Season 13 serves several key purposes:
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Stability: After a period of heavy cast turnover (including the exits of Kara Killmer and Alberto Rosende), Boden’s presence provides a sense of continuity.
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Mentorship: Boden’s new rank allows the show to explore higher-stakes storylines. He is now the mentor not just to a firehouse, but to the entire city’s emergency response infrastructure.
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The 51 Connection: Despite his office being at headquarters, his heart remains at the blue table. His scenes with Christopher Herrmann—who is on his own path toward officer promotion—have been highlights of the season.
Season 13 Leadership Snapshot
| Character | Current Role | Status |
| Wallace Boden | Deputy Commissioner | Recurring Guest Star (The Comeback) |
| Dom Pascal | Chief of Firehouse 51 | Series Regular (New Leadership) |
| Kelly Severide | Captain / OFI Specialist | Series Regular |
| Christopher Herrmann | Lieutenant (Testing for Captain) | Series Regular |
What’s Next for Boden?
Rumors within the production circles suggest that Boden’s return will culminate in a massive crossover event involving Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. As Deputy Commissioner, he is uniquely positioned to lead a city-wide response to a major catastrophe, bringing all three shows together under his command once again.
While Eamonn Walker may not be in every episode, his “epic comeback” has proven that you can take the Chief out of 51, but you can’t take 51 out of the Chief.
