Farewell to Sam Carver

As Chicago Fire gears up for Season 14, fans will be saying goodbye to Jake Lockett’s Sam Carver. Carver’s departure marks the end of a beloved chapter at Firehouse 51, leaving a space for a new personality to join the team. While it’s tough to see Carver go, the show is introducing a fresh face ready to make waves—and test the firehouse’s dynamics.

Enter Brandon Larracuente as Sal Vasquez, a confident and cocky new firefighter with a lot to prove. Season 14 promises to shake up Firehouse 51 with his introduction, adding energy, tension, and a hint of flirtation to the mix.

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Sal’s First Impression

Sal makes his debut in a teaser video shared on the One Chicago Instagram. Meeting Lieutenant Kidd for the first time, he is told that he’s replacing “a hell of a good driver.” Instead of responding modestly, Sal confidently quips, “Not as good as me.”

Unsurprisingly, Kidd is not immediately charmed by his bravado. Miranda Rae Mayo, who plays Kidd, explains that the lieutenant is initially annoyed by Sal’s cocky attitude. However, Larracuente assures fans that Sal’s confidence is misinterpreted by his colleagues—it stems from his desire to excel as a firefighter, not arrogance.

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A Work in Progress

Sal is not just a confident mouthpiece; he’s a firefighter in the making. In preview clips, viewers see him driving apparatus and assisting on calls—but he’s a little impulsive and not always quick to follow orders. Historically, Firehouse 51 has struggled when members ignore directives, but with guidance from Kidd, Mouch, and the rest of the team, Sal shows potential to become a dependable asset.

His combination of bravado and raw talent ensures that his character will be tested repeatedly, giving the ensemble an opportunity to highlight mentorship, teamwork, and trust in high-pressure scenarios.

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Flirtation and Chemistry

Adding to the intrigue, Sal already seems to have sparks with paramedic Lizzie Novak, played by Jocelyn Hudon. Novak describes him as “mysterious” and “dangerous,” and a teaser clip hints at some flirtation between them. Whether this evolves into romance—or complicates relationships across the One Chicago universe—remains to be seen, but the chemistry is undeniable.

Fans can expect a mix of professional rivalry, camaraderie, and potential romantic tension as Sal navigates his new role at Firehouse 51.

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Cast Reactions and Integration

The addition of Larracuente and his character has been met with open arms. Cast members praise Sal’s energy, and Brandon himself has expressed gratitude for the warm welcome on set and in Chicago. His introduction is timely, as the show also navigates the departures of Carver, Damon, and Ritter, helping maintain a dynamic, evolving ensemble.

Season 14 positions Sal as a character whose confidence and ambition will challenge the team, push boundaries, and bring fresh drama to Firehouse 51—all while maintaining the camaraderie fans love.

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Looking Ahead

Chicago Fire Season 14 premieres Wednesday, October 1 at 9/8c on NBC. Sal Vasquez promises to be a game-changer for Firehouse 51, with his mix of cocky charm, professional ambition, and potential romantic sparks. Fans can look forward to watching him prove himself, clash with veteran firefighters, and eventually earn his place in the One Chicago family.

This season marks both a farewell to familiar faces and the exciting introduction of new talent, ensuring Firehouse 51 remains as unpredictable, high-stakes, and entertaining as ever.