‘Chicago Fire’: David Eigenberg Opens Up About Herrmann’s “Devastating” Loss and the Emotional Aftermath
“Our Whole Lives Were in That House”
Season 14 of Chicago Fire has delivered one of its most heartbreaking moments yet — the destruction of Christopher Herrmann’s home. In Episode 4, titled “Mercy,” Firehouse 51 is called to a blaze that hits closer to home than ever before, when the fire turns out to be at Herrmann’s family house.
The beloved firefighter, played by David Eigenberg, loses everything in the inferno. Although the family survives unharmed, the emotional toll is immense. In a candid interview, Eigenberg reflected on the episode, Herrmann’s sense of loss, and how the storyline mirrors real life for a man devoted to family and duty.
Playing the Pain of Losing Everything
For Herrmann, losing the home he built for his family is shattering. “It was written as much more devastating,” Eigenberg explained. “For the character, it’s brutal — their whole lives were in that house. But for me, Dave Eigenberg, I think as long as everyone’s out safe, that’s what matters.”
Still, he admitted that filming the scenes required tapping into Herrmann’s deep emotional roots. “They were making me act, which is hard for me,” he joked. “I like putting on the gear, turning up the fire, and doing that part. But this was personal. Herrmann’s kids are going to college, life is changing, and now his home’s gone. It’s a lot.”
Searching for Hope Amid the Ashes
In the aftermath of the fire, Firehouse 51 rallies around their friend — finding a temporary home for the family and helping them start over. But the episode’s most touching moment comes when Herrmann discovers his wife Cindy’s mother’s ring, a small but powerful symbol of survival and hope.
“Robyn Coffin [who plays Cindy] is incredible,” Eigenberg said. “She raises the bar and makes every scene real. I love that their relationship has always felt grounded — it’s not perfect, but it’s genuine.”
He continued, “That scene with the ring — it was everything. Nobody wants to see their kids cry, nobody wants to see their wife cry, and Herrmann just wants to fix it. When Mouch finds that ring, it’s like this one piece of their old life survived. It’s hope.”
Herrmann’s Future and Quiet Regrets
Beyond the fire, Herrmann is still grappling with a major career decision — stepping down as an officer, which also means a pay cut. “It’s stitched into my mind that he questions it constantly,” Eigenberg shared. “He thought it was the right thing to do, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. That’s life — sometimes we make goofy choices, and I love that Chicago Fire lets its characters wrestle with those moments.”
As for what’s next, even Eigenberg isn’t sure. “We’re always left in the dark,” he laughed. “But the family, the team — they’ll find a way forward. They always do.”
A Story That Resonates
For fans who’ve followed Herrmann since the early days, this episode struck deeply. Fourteen years into the show, viewers have watched his kids grow up, his marriage evolve, and his bond with Firehouse 51 strengthen.
“It’s crazy,” Eigenberg reflected. “We were working with a young guy on set who said he’d grown up watching the show. He started when he was nine. Now he’s in his twenties. That hit me. It’s been a long ride — and we’re really lucky.”