Seven Years of Firehouse 51

Daniel Kyri has officially wrapped up his tenure on Chicago Fire, leaving behind the role that made him a fan favorite. Since joining in 2018, Kyri’s Darren Ritter evolved from a three-episode guest role into a series regular, spanning eight seasons and becoming an integral part of Firehouse 51’s tight-knit team.

Posting an emotional farewell on social media, Kyri reflected on the journey: “Yesterday, I filmed my last scenes as Ritter & I’m still so amazed that my first-ever TV gig—a role that was originally meant for just three episodes—turned into seven incredible years (SEVEN?!?!! Whatttt???!)”

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Ritter’s Legacy on the Show

Ritter’s character was more than a firefighter; he represented empathy, bravery, and the struggles of balancing personal life with the high-pressure demands of Firehouse 51. Kyri highlighted how playing a gay Black firefighter was personally transformative:

“He embodies empathy, humility, compassion, and unwavering bravery…a possibility I never got to see onscreen in my childhood but desperately craved.”

Ritter formed strong bonds with Blake Gallo and Violet Mikami, both joining the show around the same time, and together they navigated firefighting dangers, personal losses, and even launched a brewery business—a testament to their camaraderie.

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A Career-Defining Role

Kyri expressed gratitude to the cast and crew, thanking co-stars past and present for their “relentless loyalty, compassion, & love throughout my time on this show.” He also praised Wolf Entertainment for “recognizing me & aligning with my intention & vision for the potential of this character.”

Despite the acclaim, Ritter’s storylines never fully explored his personal life. Off-screen romance with a Chicago PD officer occurred but wasn’t shown, and Kyri lamented that the show “never gave [Ritter] the strong storyline that he deserved, especially as the show’s first Black, queer character.”

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A Heartfelt Goodbye

Kyri’s farewell post included a poignant image of his on-set chair with his name embroidered in red, alongside his turnout coat labeled “Ritter.” He concluded:

“Chicago Fire changed my life…Bringing Darren Ritter to the screen has transformed & healed me in equal measure. I’m so humbled & proud to have portrayed you. You made history. Thank you so much, Darren Ritter. And goodbye.”

His exit was previously confirmed in April 2025, though Kyri briefly returned to set in August for limited scenes, posting selfies with co-stars Jocelyn Hudon and Hanako Greensmith.

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What’s Next for Fans

While Ritter’s departure leaves a hole at Firehouse 51, fans can revisit his legacy through the strong relationships he built, both on and off-screen. His character highlighted the importance of representation and compassion in the firehouse drama genre.

For viewers looking to fill the post-Ritter void, several shows offer a similar mix of high-stakes action and character-driven drama:

1. 9-1-1 – Los Angeles first responders tackle terrifying emergencies daily. (Hulu US, Disney+ internationally)

2. Fire Country – A young convict joins a firefighting program to shorten his sentence. (Paramount)

3. Station 19 – Grey’s Anatomy spin-off following Seattle firefighters balancing danger and dreams. (Hulu US, Disney+ internationally)

4. Tacoma FD – Rain-soaked firefighters mix pranks, bizarre calls, and competitions. (Netflix)

5. The Rookie – Oldest rookie John Nolan navigates the challenges of becoming a police officer. (Hulu US)