Dermot Mulroney Teases His ‘Chicago Fire’ Debut: Chief Dom Pascal Isn’t Anybody’s Friend
Chicago Fire fans are about to meet a very different kind of leader at Firehouse 51. Veteran actor Dermot Mulroney is stepping into the NBC drama as Chief Dom Pascal, the man tasked with filling the impossible shoes left by the beloved Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker). And according to Mulroney, Pascal isn’t there to make friends — he’s there to lead.
“He’s not there to be anybody’s best friend,” Mulroney teased, hinting at a tougher, more abrasive dynamic for the crew as Season 14 begins.
A Harsh New Era for Firehouse 51
Boden’s leadership was built on loyalty, heart, and family — qualities that defined Firehouse 51 for over a decade. Pascal, on the other hand, brings a colder, more clinical brand of command.
Mulroney revealed that the writers are having “great fun” exploring Pascal’s strict, by-the-book personality. “He’s kind of a hardass,” the actor admitted. “He focuses on rules and efficiency over emotional connection.”
Coming from Miami and hand-picked by Boden himself, Pascal’s outsider status immediately puts him at odds with veterans like Severide, Kidd, and Herrmann, who are used to a more paternal leadership style. Without personal history or emotional leverage, Pascal must earn respect through authority alone — and that’s creating sparks.
The Mystery Behind the Man
Mulroney described Pascal as an enigmatic and unpredictable character. His past remains shadowy, and fans have only glimpsed hints of what drove him back from Miami. There’s a sense that his no-nonsense professionalism hides something deeper — perhaps guilt, grief, or unresolved trauma.
“He keeps kind of coming through for people a little bit, maybe behind the scenes,” Mulroney explained. “So, the viewers this season get the feeling that he’s a pretty good guy behind all that.”
This suggests that beneath his brusque exterior, Pascal may possess the same fierce loyalty that defined Boden — just expressed in his own, more guarded way.
The Tragedy That Broke Him
A major turning point in Pascal’s story arrives with the death of his wife, Monica, a loss that pushes him to his emotional limits. The tragedy tests his resilience and his leadership, revealing cracks in his professional armor.
Showrunner Andrea Newman described the storyline as a way to explore what happens “when the worst imaginable thing has happened to him.” Pascal’s grief manifests in anger and denial, leading him to make dangerous decisions that force the team to step in — ultimately humanizing the man who once kept them at arm’s length.
Mulroney said, “He’s stuck on anger, making bad calls, but you finally see the man behind the rank.”
This vulnerability, ironically, brings him closer to his crew than any team-building effort ever could.
Facing His Future
As Chicago Fire heads deeper into Season 14, Pascal’s professional future looks uncertain. Budget cuts and CFD politics put him at the center of difficult choices, including a complex dynamic with Annette Davis, the mayor’s chief of staff.
Even more explosive is the upcoming Boden investigation — the legendary chief himself returns to question Pascal after a devastating firefight gone wrong. Mulroney promised that these scenes are “fraught and contentious,” setting up an emotional clash between two very different leadership philosophies.
Despite the turmoil, Mulroney is optimistic: “I’ve got hopes for him to weather this storm.”
The Legacy of Chief Dom Pascal
Chief Pascal represents a bold shift for Chicago Fire. His arrival shakes the foundation of Firehouse 51, replacing warmth with professionalism and camaraderie with command. But as his layers peel back, viewers are beginning to see the humanity behind his rigid exterior.
He may never join the team at Molly’s Bar for a beer, but his quiet dedication and willingness to face his demons are slowly earning him a place in Chicago Fire history — as one of the show’s most complex and polarizing leaders.