Budget cuts, betrayal, and a vengeful insider could reshape Firehouse 51 forever

The CFD Crisis Deepens

Chicago Fire is no stranger to dramatic exits—but Season 14 may deliver one of the most pivotal leadership shakeups yet. After multiple cast changes and budget-driven chaos, fans are now asking: Is Battalion Chief Dom Pascal next to go? And is Kelly Severide finally stepping up to lead Firehouse 51?

Tensions have been rising since Season 13’s finale hinted at major cuts within the Chicago Fire Department. By the third episode of Season 14, those warnings became reality—rigs are being decommissioned, crews are stretched thin, and now, six battalion chiefs face layoffs.

Pascal initially believed his job was safe. But one decision may have changed everything.

A Rejection That Could Cost Him Everything

In Episode 3, Annette Davis, the mayor’s Chief of Staff, invited Pascal to dinner. It wasn’t just a friendly meal—she appeared interested in more than just policy talk. But when Pascal turned her down, citing the recent loss of his wife, viewers immediately sensed a shift.

Could that rejection paint a target on Pascal’s back?

Davis admitted the CFD was on her radar as part of citywide budget trimming. And fans are speculating she might retaliate—by adding Pascal to the list of outgoing chiefs.

If that happens, it would mean more than just another goodbye. It would leave a leadership vacuum at the heart of Firehouse 51.

Severide: The Natural Successor?

Should Pascal be forced out, one name rises above the rest: Kelly Severide.

Severide has been a cornerstone of Chicago Fire since day one. He’s respected by every firefighter on the rig and has grown from rebellious risk-taker to steady, strategic leader. Over time, he’s also developed mutual respect with Pascal—especially in arson investigations.

While Severide would need to pass the battalion chief’s test, the show could easily accelerate that process (as it’s done before) to position him as the next commanding officer. In many ways, it would be a natural next step for the character—and a massive shift for the show’s identity.

What About Herrmann?

If Severide becomes chief, that opens a spot on Squad 3—and Christopher Herrmann may be the perfect fit.

After stepping aside to let Mouch take the Engine 51 lieutenant post, Herrmann has struggled to find his place. He doesn’t want to be a chief—he’s made that clear—but he’s desperate to reclaim a leadership role. Taking over Squad 3 would give him purpose again, without the paperwork he dreads.

It’s a move that could give both men exactly what they want—while dramatically reshaping the dynamics at 51.