Fans of Chicago Fire noticed something missing during the October 22 episode — Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney). Since his debut in Season 13, Pascal has become a fan favorite, admired for his calm authority and quiet compassion. So when he didn’t appear in Season 14, Episode 4 (“Mercy”), viewers immediately wanted answers.
The good news? Pascal isn’t gone for good — but his absence signals a major shift for Firehouse 51.
Why Chief Pascal Was Missing
In Chicago Fire’s latest episode, Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Lizzie Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) introduced a new medic training program that needed their chief’s approval. But when they went looking for Pascal, Violet revealed the truth:
“Pascal put [Severide] in charge while he’s gone,” she explained.
That simple line confirmed what fans suspected — Pascal is temporarily away from Firehouse 51.
Where Is Chief Pascal Now?
Pascal’s absence ties directly to the administrative shake-ups hinted at in last week’s episode, “In The Blood.” In that installment, Pascal met with the mayor’s Chief of Staff, Annette Davis (Annabeth Gish), who informed him that the Chicago Fire Department was consolidating its Battalion Chiefs.
The move forced surviving chiefs to cover multiple firehouses, picking up shifts across the city after several colleagues lost their positions.
Though Pascal kept his job, the new workload means he’s often called away from his home base at Firehouse 51 to oversee other battalions. It’s not a demotion — but it’s far from a reward.
Severide Steps Into Leadership
Before leaving, Pascal pulled Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) aside and handed him temporary command of Firehouse 51.
“I’m not gonna be here for all the day-to-day. I’m counting on you to step up and take that role, Lieutenant,” Pascal told him, expressing his confidence in Severide’s leadership.
Severide’s been thriving in the role ever since. In “Mercy,” he showed the same mix of strategy and compassion that defines Pascal’s leadership. When tasked with approving the firefighter for the new EMS training program, Severide picked Capp — the squad’s class clown and arguably its most difficult student — reasoning that if Violet and Novak could train him, they could train anyone.
The move earned both laughter and respect from his team, proving Severide’s instincts are as sharp as ever.
Pascal’s Future in the Series
Chief Pascal hasn’t left Chicago Fire, but fans should expect his appearances to be less frequent as the CFD’s administrative overhaul continues. His storyline now reflects the political challenges facing first responders citywide, while giving Severide the opportunity to grow into a leadership role that many believe foreshadows his eventual promotion.
Pascal’s decision to entrust Firehouse 51 to Severide isn’t just a plot convenience — it’s a passing of the torch.
The Bottom Line
Chief Dom Pascal remains part of the Chicago Fire family, just temporarily stationed elsewhere as the CFD restructures its command. In his absence, Severide is proving more than capable of leading the team — a natural evolution for one of the series’ most iconic heroes.
As for Pascal, his faith in Severide seems well-placed. Firehouse 51 couldn’t be in better hands.
