The bells of Firehouse 51 are ringing in an era of unprecedented change as Chicago Fire returns for its 14th season. The flagship series of Dick Wolf’s One Chicago franchise has always been known for its revolving door of cast members, but Season 14 brings one of the most significant overhauls in years. Fan-favorite characters are departing, major storyline conclusions are forcing new roles, and a new face is set to challenge the dynamics of Truck 81.
This guide breaks down every confirmed cast member, detailing the highly anticipated returns, the painful departures, and the key new arrival who will shape the drama in the new season.
The Veterans: Key Series Regulars Returning to Firehouse 51
Despite the changes, the heart and soul of Firehouse 51 remain intact, anchored by the long-serving veterans who have been with the show since the beginning or established themselves as essential pillars.
Truck 81 & Squad 3
The “Power Couple” of the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd, are back, navigating a massive personal life change that will undoubtedly impact their professional duties.
- Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney): The legendary Squad 3 Lieutenant is confirmed to return as a series regular. After his brief time away, Severide’s focus will now be split between his demanding role and the impending arrival of his first child, providing a new dimension to his character.
- Lt. Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo): Back as the strong leader of Truck 81, Kidd will be dealing with the physical and emotional realities of her surprise pregnancy. Her commitment to her team and her career will be tested like never before as she and Severide prepare for parenthood.
- Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso): The Squad 3 firefighter and devoted family man remains a cornerstone of the firehouse. Cruz will continue to be Severide’s right-hand man and a dependable force.
Engine 51 & Administration
Engine 51 sees a major internal shift following the Season 13 finale, while the new commanding officer is now fully integrated into the team’s dynamics.
- Captain Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg): Herrmann is returning, albeit in a newly adjusted role. In a major move, he decided not to pursue the Chief position and even stepped down as an officer to allow Mouch to advance, returning to a frontline firefighter role on Engine 51.
- Lt. Randy “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte): A fan-favorite original, Mouch is confirmed to return. Thanks to Herrmann’s sacrifice, Mouch has been promoted to Lieutenant on Engine 51, bringing a new leadership dynamic to the old guard.
- Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney): Introduced as the new Battalion Chief following Boden’s departure, Dermot Mulroney’s character is back as a series regular. His contentious yet growing bond with the 51 crew will be a central theme, especially given his own recent personal and professional turmoil.
Paramedic Field 61: The Ambulance Dynamic
The shake-up in Ambulance 61 from Season 13 continues to define the Paramedic team in the new season.
- PIC Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith): Violet has ascended to the Paramedic in Charge (PIC) role and is confirmed to return. Her storyline will explore her leadership and her complicated personal life following the departures of her former partners and love interests.
- Paramedic Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon): Novak, who stepped up as the new Paramedic, has been promoted to a series regular for Season 14. She quickly established a dynamic partnership with Violet, and her presence is now cemented in the heart of the firehouse.
The dual exits of Carver and Ritter from Truck 81 leave a massive hole in Lieutenant Kidd’s team, setting the stage for the highly anticipated arrival of a new, potentially challenging character.
The New Blood: A Critical Addition to Truck 81
With two spots suddenly open on Truck 81, the production team has wasted no time in introducing a new series regular to shake up the established hierarchy.
- Firefighter Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente): Larracuente joins the cast in a series regular role as Firefighter Sal Vasquez. Early reports suggest Sal will be a complex character with a “rich family history in the first responder world,” much of it buried. Crucially, the character is described as a challenge to Lieutenant Stella Kidd, forcing her to assert her leadership in a new and potentially stressful way—all while dealing with her pregnancy. This dynamic is expected to be one of the key storylines of Season 14.
Recurring Characters and Guest Stars
No season of Chicago Fire is complete without the reliable supporting cast and new faces to drive political or professional intrigue.
- Capp (Randy Flagler) and Tony (Anthony Ferraris): The loyal veterans of Squad 3, played by real-life firefighters, are expected to return in their essential recurring roles.
- Kylie Estevez (Katelynn Shennett): Kidd’s mentee and Chief Boden’s former assistant is expected to return in a recurring capacity.
- Annette Davis (Annabeth Gish): A major new recurring player is Annabeth Gish as Annette Davis, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff. She is set to have a “very complicated” relationship with Chief Pascal, injecting a new level of political drama into Firehouse 51’s already complex world.
Chicago Fire Season 14 promises a powerful mix of continuity and upheaval. The core relationships—Severide and Kidd embracing parenthood, the Mouch/Herrmann role reversal, and Violet solidifying her leadership—will anchor the show, while the introduction of Sal Vasquez and the political maneuvering of Annette Davis ensure that Firehouse 51 will be battling new internal and external fires all season long. The stage is set for a landmark season of intense rescues and emotional drama.
