It’s official — Firehouse 51 finally has its new leader. A year after Eamonn Walker’s emotional farewell as Chief Wallace Boden, Chicago Fire has confirmed who will carry the torch. And while Boden’s absence still looms large, the show is ready to crown his true successor at last.

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The End of an Era: Boden’s Exit Still Stings

Boden wasn’t just a Chief; he was the heart of Firehouse 51. His steady hand, unwavering principles, and ability to hold the team together through thick and thin made him irreplaceable. His season 12 departure — though softened by his promotion — left both the characters and fans grappling with a firehouse that suddenly felt unmoored.

Replacing such a cornerstone of the show was never going to be easy, and season 13 proved exactly that.

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Enter Chief Dom Pascal

When Dermot Mulroney’s Chief Dom Pascal first stepped in, the skepticism was immediate. Kelly Severide and the rest of the crew weren’t sure he had what it took to fill Boden’s shoes — and truthfully, neither were the fans. Pascal’s personal baggage, including the tragic circumstances of his wife’s death, only added to the doubts.

To complicate matters further, Boden himself had chosen Christopher Herrmann as his ideal successor. For many, Pascal felt like an outsider forced into a family he didn’t belong to.

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Season 14 Trailer Confirms the Shift

NBC’s new One Chicago trailer has put the speculation to rest. Opening with a powerful speech from Pascal, the teaser shows a man transformed. Gone is the hesitant replacement — in his place stands a formidable leader who now has the respect of Firehouse 51.

Pascal has finally stepped into the role that Boden left behind, proving himself worthy of carrying the legacy forward. While no one could ever truly replace Boden, Pascal’s determination, principles, and loyalty have earned him the team’s trust.

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Why the Transition Took So Long

Boden’s shadow was always going to hang over Firehouse 51. For an entire season, Chicago Fire allowed Pascal to stumble, struggle, and slowly grow into the role. It wasn’t about handing him leadership — it was about him earning it.

Now, heading into season 14, that growth has paid off. Severide and the rest of the team no longer look at him as an outsider. Instead, they see a chief who, while different from Boden, shares his sense of integrity and resilience.

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The Road Ahead

With Pascal finally established as the new leader, Firehouse 51 faces a new era. The departures of Carver, Ritter, and Damon will shake up the dynamic, but the stability Pascal now offers could be exactly what the house needs to weather the storm.

Still, questions remain:

• Will Herrmann step back from his own leadership ambitions?

• Can Pascal maintain control when the next crisis hits?

• And will fans embrace him as fully as the characters have?

For now, Pascal stands tall as Boden’s successor — not his replacement, but his worthy heir.

Chicago Fire season 14 premieres this fall on NBC and streams on Peacock.