The departure of Wallace Boden in the Chicago Fire season 12 finale left a significant void in Firehouse 51, one that initially seemed poised to be filled by Christopher Herrmann. However, series star David Eigenberg has revealed that Herrmann won’t be stepping into Boden’s role as Firehouse Chief in season 13, citing practical reasons behind the decision.
Over the past year, Firehouse 51 has endured a series of notable exits that reshaped its dynamics, but none were as impactful as Boden’s promotion to Deputy Commissioner. His departure after 12 seasons marked the end of an era for the team. While Boden’s choice of Herrmann as his successor made sense on a personal level, the transition isn’t in the cards for season 13.
Why Herrmann Won’t Be Chief
Speaking with TV Insider, Eigenberg explained the reasoning behind Herrmann’s inability to immediately assume the role of Chief. “The character can’t make a shift to a chief unless we were deep into TV falsehoods. I’m not going to let him do that. He has to become a captain, and then you got to go through a whole thing,” he said. This explanation reflects the procedural reality of advancing through the ranks in the Chicago Fire Department (CFD).
While Herrmann’s loyalty and experience make him a strong candidate for leadership, the series is opting for a more realistic approach. As Eigenberg humorously added, “Who knows? They may put me in chief and then fire me as a chief. We’ll see.”
Why Boden Chose Herrmann as His Successor
Before leaving Firehouse 51, Boden carefully considered who could replace him. Initially, Kelly Severide seemed like a natural choice due to his seniority and previous experience stepping in for Boden. However, Boden ultimately determined that Severide’s leadership style wasn’t the right fit for the role, as he didn’t enjoy the counseling and administrative aspects of the job.
Instead, Boden recognized Herrmann’s knack for fostering camaraderie and his dedication to the firehouse. As the Commanding Officer of Engine 51, Herrmann demonstrated the qualities of a principled and committed leader. While he wasn’t a perfect replacement, his appointment would have ensured continuity and stability for the team.
What’s Next for Firehouse 51 in Season 13
With Herrmann officially ruled out as Boden’s replacement, the focus shifts to who will step into the role of Firehouse 51 Chief. Reports suggest that NBC and Wolf Entertainment are introducing a new character to fill the position. This fresh face could bring new energy to the team, but their impact on the firehouse remains uncertain.
Replacing Boden is no small task. For 12 seasons, he served as the heart and moral compass of Firehouse 51, setting a high standard for leadership. While Herrmann’s transition to Chief may have provided a smoother adjustment for the team, introducing a new character allows the series to explore fresh dynamics, whether they strengthen or challenge the unity of Firehouse 51.
Herrmann’s Future in Chicago Fire
Although Herrmann won’t be taking over as Chief, his journey on Chicago Fire is far from over. His character remains a vital part of the team, and future episodes may explore how he adjusts to the new leadership dynamic while continuing to provide support and wisdom to his colleagues.
By choosing a realistic path for Herrmann’s career progression, Chicago Fire maintains its grounded storytelling approach while setting the stage for intriguing new conflicts and opportunities in season 13. Fans can look forward to seeing how the firehouse evolves under its new Chief and how Herrmann’s role continues to shape the story.
