Season 14 of Chicago Fire has already sparked excitement with the arrival of Brandon Larracuente as firefighter Sal Vasquez. But before stepping onto the set at Firehouse 51, the newcomer was given a warm welcome in true One Chicago fashion—thanks to a heartfelt gesture from a fan favorite.

David Eigenberg’s Big Cast Dinner

Larracuente revealed in an interview with NBC Insider that veteran cast member David Eigenberg, who has played Christopher Herrmann since the show’s debut in 2012, organized a special cast dinner. Eigenberg and his wife hosted not only the current cast but also several familiar faces from past seasons.

“It’s been nice, so before we shot anything, David and his wife set up a big cast dinner,” Larracuente shared. “And what was really nice was it wasn’t just the current cast, there were some cast members from previous seasons and stuff. So it was nice to see how well these people got along.”

For Larracuente, it wasn’t just a dinner—it was an introduction into the Chicago Fire family.

A Family Behind the Scenes

The 30-year-old actor said the gesture made his transition into the long-running NBC drama seamless. “I invited my wife, they all met with her, and it just feels like a family,” he explained. “I was able to bond with them before stepping on set at all.”

Larracuente admitted that joining a show with 13 seasons of history could have been intimidating, but the camaraderie kept the nerves at bay. “It definitely feels like a family… they keep it light on set. But at the same time, they respect the work. And when it comes time to work, they show up prepared.”

A Bond That Fuels the Show’s Success

The actor praised the easygoing but professional environment that fuels the series. “When you like the people you’re working with, it makes your job easier,” he said. “They’ve all done their part equally in helping me adjust to the new experience of the show.”

For fans, it’s a reminder that the strong bonds of Firehouse 51 aren’t just scripted—they’re lived every day by the cast who bring Chicago’s heroes to life.