CHICAGO — Before Chicago Fire’s Sylvie Brett found forever love with Matt Casey and moved to Portland, she shared a steamy, short-lived romance with firefighter Greg Grainger, played by Doc star Jon Ecker. Though his arc only lasted several episodes in Season 9, the actor now reveals he was nearly brought back — and would jump at the chance to return.

In a new interview with Soaps.com, Ecker looked back fondly on his time in the Windy City. “That was a great show to be a part of,” he said, praising the cast and crew for their tight-knit chemistry and production precision. “You’re part of a production that’s like a well-oiled machine that just runs. The whole cast is like a family.”

But for Ecker, Chicago Fire wasn’t just another acting gig — it marked a professional turning point. After a string of first-season characters who “got killed off” early, joining a long-running hit like Fire gave him a rare chance to immerse himself in something built to last. “It was also one of the first productions that was getting back up after COVID,” he added, recalling the daily nose swabs and strict protocols. “Even if I wasn’t working that day, I had to go. It was a lot.”

A Kid in a Firetruck — and a Fan Favorite

From researching firefighter routines to suiting up in full gear, the Doc actor recalls the experience with boyish enthusiasm. “It’s like being a kid going to see the big trucks,” he joked. “People love that show, which is always great — even if it’s just a short run, to be part of something that has such a large fan base.”

And Ecker almost had more than a short run. He revealed that the Chicago Fire team once reached out to bring back Grainger — but he was already booked on another project. “I really wish I had [returned], because it’s just a great group of people,” he said.

What Could Have Been: Greg and Sylvie

Ecker acknowledged that his character was always meant to be a stepping stone in Sylvie’s emotional journey back to Casey. “Of course I was rooting for my character. That would’ve meant more of a job!” he said with a laugh. “But I kind of knew where it was going. I was a tool in the writers’ tool bag to advance that Sylvie/Matt storyline.”

Originally slated for just three episodes, Ecker’s Grainger stuck around for six or seven — a testament to how well he fit into the Firehouse 51 family. While Grainger eventually realized he couldn’t compete with Sylvie’s lingering feelings for Matt, fans of the show appreciated the grounded, charming energy Ecker brought to the role.

Now busy leading his own medical drama with Doc, Ecker’s star is still on the rise. But he hasn’t ruled out a return to Chicago. “I’d be stoked,” he said plainly. “If they ever called again, I’d pick up.”