A Big Change at Firehouse 51

Chicago Fire Season 14 has officially kicked off, but fans immediately noticed one glaring absence — Sam Carver, played by Jake Lockett. After joining the cast in Season 11 and quickly becoming a fan favorite, Carver’s storyline wrapped up at the end of Season 13, and Lockett has now confirmed his departure.

According to reports, the decision was tied to budget cuts at Wolf Entertainment. With rising production costs and contract negotiations looming for veteran cast members, several roles were scaled back or cut entirely. Unfortunately, that included Carver — and, reportedly, Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter, who will appear only sparingly this season.

Carver’s Journey on Chicago Fire

Jake Lockett brought intensity and grit to Firehouse 51 when Carver first arrived as a hot-headed firefighter and old academy rival of Stella Kidd. His debut spiked ratings, and over time, his character evolved into one of the show’s most layered figures.

• Season 11: Carver clashed with colleagues and faced disciplinary hearings, but slowly earned the team’s trust under Kidd’s guidance.

• Season 12: He became a mentor to rookie Jack Damon, displayed loyalty during a daring roof rescue, and started developing feelings for Violet Mikami.

• Season 13: Carver opened up about his sobriety struggles, strengthened bonds with Herrmann and the squad, and fully embraced his romance with Violet.

By the finale, Carver confessed his love to Violet before transferring to Denver for a fresh start, closing the door on his Chicago story in a way that felt both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Lockett Says Goodbye

Lockett shared a farewell montage on Instagram, thanking fans for their support. Showrunner Andrea Newman told Deadline: “Carver’s exit is bittersweet but true to his journey.”

Season 14’s premiere paid tribute to him through Violet’s arc, with emotional flashbacks highlighting his impact. His absence now sets the stage for Violet to move forward while processing the loss of both a partner and a confidant.

Who’s Filling the Void?

To shake up Truck 81, Brandon Larracuente has joined the cast as firefighter Sal Vasquez — a bold, unpredictable presence who echoes Carver’s early days on the team. His introduction ensures that while Carver is gone, Firehouse 51 won’t be without its share of intensity and drama.

Will Carver Ever Return?

For now, Jake Lockett’s time on Chicago Fire seems over. His character received a proper sendoff, and with NBC pushing forward on tighter budgets, it’s unlikely we’ll see Carver back anytime soon. But in the One Chicago universe, departures don’t always last forever. With Violet still carrying his memory, the door isn’t fully closed.