Chief Wallace Boden has been a cornerstone of Chicago Fire since its premiere back in 2012, appearing in more than 250 episodes. However, long-time viewers may have noticed a big change in Season 13: Boden is no longer part of the main lineup.
Why Isn’t Chief Boden in Season 13?
In the Season 12 finale, Chief Boden took a major step forward in his career, accepting a promotion that required him to leave his post as the leader of Firehouse 51. His departure was handled with emotional weight and respect, marking the end of an era for the character. Within the storyline, Boden now serves as the Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department.
But behind the scenes, actor Eamonn Walker made the decision to scale back his role. According to a report from Deadline, the actor opted to step away from his full-time position after dedicating over a decade to the series. Walker expressed a desire to focus more on personal and family priorities after spending 12 seasons as a regular cast member.
Who Replaced Chief Boden at Firehouse 51?
With Boden’s promotion, the station needed new leadership—enter Chief Dom Pascal. Played by Dermot Mulroney, Pascal brings a very different leadership style to the team. His presence has created a noticeable shift in the firehouse dynamic, with several characters adjusting to his unexpected policies and fresh approach. NBC even released a behind-the-scenes video this fall to introduce Mulroney’s new role ahead of the Season 13 premiere.
Will We See Wallace Boden Again?
Yes, fans haven’t seen the last of Chief Boden. While he’s no longer a series regular, actor Eamonn Walker will return in a recurring or guest capacity as Deputy Commissioner. In a recent interview with TV Insider, showrunner Andrea Newman reassured fans that Walker would reappear during Season 13.
“We always say: once you’re part of 51, you’re always part of 51,” Newman shared. “That’s especially true for Boden. He’s still within the CFD, and yes—we do plan to bring him back, just not right away.”
So while Boden may not be at the heart of every episode moving forward, his legacy remains, and viewers can expect to see him return in key moments.
