ThroughoutChicago Fire’s 13 seasons, the cast has changed numerous times, with many characters coming to and leaving Firehouse 51, but some have stuck out from the rest. The NBC procedural drama TV series, created by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas, follows the lives of the first responders (including firefighters and paramedics) at Firehouse 51 in Chicago, Illinois.Chicago Firelaunched a franchise withtheOne Chicagouniverse’s TV shows—Chicago PD, Chicago Med,andChicago Justice— andthe original series' intriguing and complex characters are partly responsible for its (and the franchise’s) success.
Chicago Fireseason 13 is scheduled to contain 22 episodes and will premiere on Wednesday, August 16, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.
The original cast ofChicago Firefeatured familiar faces such as Eamonn Walker as Chief Boden, Jesse Spencer as Matt Casey, Monica Raymund as Gabby Dawson, David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, and more. Now, the cast looks much different as various characters (some better than others) have been added over the years. While not every character inChicago Firehas been well-received throughout the NBC procedural drama’s 13 seasons and 252 episodes, the good characters always outrank the bad. In fact,10 prominentChicago Firefigures are unforgettableand have made their mark not only on the show but also on TV.
10Darren Ritter
Played By Daniel Kyri
AlthoughDaniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter is a rather newChicago Firecharacter, he’s undoubtedlyone of the best additions to the show in recent years.Kyri joined the cast as a recurring member in season 7 before being promoted to series regular in season 9. His character, Ritter, is a firefighter assigned to Engine Company 51. Ritter was previously with Engine 37 but was fired after he froze on the job. Randall “Mouch” McHolland and Christopher Herrmann gave Ritter a second chance, though, andhe’s proven himself to be a worthy firefighter who brings a youthful presence to Firehouse 51.
I’m Relieved About Taylor Kinney’s Chicago Fire Future As Kelly Severide After This New Season 13 Update
In recent seasons, speculation about how much longer Taylor Kinney would stick with Chicago Fire ran rampant, but there’s no need to worry anymore.
Afterlosing Leslie Shay early on inChicago Fire, the NBC series has been lacking LGBTQ+ representation. Thankfully, with the addition of Ritter, who is gay, the show has progressed a bit forward. Aside from being great representation, though,Ritter is just a heartfelt, kind, and admirable character who is always eager to learn.It has been a joy to watch Kyri’s character blossom from his introduction in season 7 to where he is now as a firefighter inChicago Fireseason 13.
9Stella Kidd
Played By Miranda Rae Mayo
Stella Kidd hasn’t been at Firehouse 51 since the NBC show’s beginning, but she has still cemented herself as one of the most importantcharacters inChicago Fire. Miranda Rae Mayo made her debut as Kidd towards the end of season 4 when she transferred to Firehouse 51. Unfortunately, she was one of the two female firefighters, but given her bold and confident personality, Kidd didn’t have many problems fitting in. Plus, Kidd is inarguably one of the best firefighters on the show, which is why she waspromoted to lieutenant and was appointed the officer in charge of Truck 81 following Matt Casey’s exit.
Kidd is very headstrong (in a good way), consistently gives back to her community, and is fiercely protective of her loved ones.
Of course, Kidd’s standing as a phenomenal firefighter makes her one ofChicago Fire’s best characters. However, her personality outside of work is also endearing. Kidd is very headstrong (in a good way), consistently gives back to her community, and is fiercely protective of her loved ones. For all these reasons,Kidd will always be one of the most beloved charactersin the originalOne ChicagoTV show.
8Joe Cruz
Played By Joe Minoso
Joe Cruz has been a steady and reliable presence at Firehouse 51,and he is one of the few remaining original characters left headingintoChicago Fireseason 13(for good reason). Joe Minoso’s Cruz had a rough upbringing that sadly followed him into adulthood. However, Cruz has built a good life for himself and worked very hard to get to where he is today in the world ofChicago Fire.
Joe Cruz started as the designated driver for Truck 81 before he decided he wanted a change and transferred to Squad 3 at the beginning ofChicago Fireseason 4.
Cruz’s dedication to his work and family is admirable,which is why it’s not surprising that he is one of the best characters thatChicago Firehas to offer. If anyone deserves a happy ending, it’s Cruz. Thankfully, Cruz is still a part of the show, meaning viewers can continue to experience his hard-working, lovable, and humorous character for (hopefully) many seasons to come.
7Sylvie Brett
Played By Kara Killmer
Unfortunately, fans had to say goodbye to paramedic Sylvie Brett whenKara Killmer exitedChicago Firein the middle of season 12. The good news is thatBrett was an integral part of the NBC procedural drama for almost 10 seasons.Plus, she got her happy ending. Killmer joined the main cast during the season 3 premiere when Brett transferred to Ambulance 61 to replace Shay after her tragic death. Although many were disheartened by Leslie Shay’s death, Brett quickly proved herself to be a worthy member of Firehouse 51.
[Sylvie Brett] was respected by many as she was level-headed, intelligent, empathetic, caring, and had every quality one needs to be an excellent first responder.
Brett was one of the most talented paramedicsto come through Firehouse 51. She was respected by many as she was level-headed, intelligent, empathetic, caring, and had every quality one needs to be an excellent first responder. After almost 10 seasons of having a chaotic love life,Brett finally married Matt Casey inChicago Fireseason 12, episode 6, and the two (along with Brett’s adopted daughter, Julia) promptly moved to Portland, Oregon.
6Kelly Severide
Played By Taylor Kinney
Taylor Kinney’s Kelly Severide has been a part of the Firehouse 51 crew since theChicago Fireseries premiere in October 2012. Yes, he has had some frustrating moments over the course of his 12 seasons on the show. However, one can’t help but continue rooting for Severide despite his mistakes.Severide is nothing if not passionate,and his passion and emotion undoubtedly drive him in his professional and personal life. Watching Severide’scharacter arc inChicago Firehas been a pleasure, and he will continue to grow as the episodes continue.
Even thoughKinney’s exit fromChicago Firehas been rumored for the last couple of seasons, Severide is seemingly here to stay (at least, for season 13). As he tries to get back on track planning his and Kidd’s future, Severide will also be dealing with the revelation that Jack Damon is Benny Severide’s son, making him Kelly’s half-brother.Chicago Fireseason 13’s story has a lot in store for Severide,which is only made possible by his complex and passionate nature.
5Matt Casey
Played By Jesse Spencer
While Severide led Squad 3,Matt Casey was the leader of Truck 81 at the start ofChicago Fire.Despite the NBC procedural drama TV show’s ensemble cast, Casey and Severide were, without a doubt, the main characters, and for good reason. Severide’s good qualities (like his passion) are listed above. Meanwhile, Casey was seemingly the opposite of Severide, which made for an interesting dynamic between the two firefighters. Although Casey is Severide’s polar opposite, he is stillone ofChicago Fire’s best characters.
[Matt Casey’s] position as a strong and reliable leader was admirable, and not an episode goes by where he isn’t missed.
Casey was logical, stern, and respected,and he always kept his cool during emergencies when he worked at Firehouse 51. His position as a strong and reliable leader was admirable, and not an episode goes by where he isn’t missed.Casey leftChicago Fireat the beginning of season 10 to look after Andrew Darden’s two sons in Portland. Spencer returned a few times to reprise his role as Casey. However, following Casey and Brett’s wedding in season 12, it’s quite unlikely that the audience will see the couple onscreen anytime soon.
4Wallace Boden
Played By Eamonn Walker
Chief Wallace Boden was the leader of Firehouse 51 for 12 seasons, but his tenure came to an end whenEamonn Walker leftChicago Fireafter season 12. What makes his exit so sad is that Boden was an original member of the squad and he was the best person to lead Firehouse 51. Consequently, it will be difficult for anyone to fill his shoes.Boden was fiercely protective of his firefighters and paramedicsand had a strong, commanding presence that many respected. The good news is that Boden isn’t gone fromChicago Firefor good.
Chicago Fire Season 13’s Boden Replacement Creates A Big Challenge For Eamonn Walker’s Return
Eamonn Walker stepped down from his Chicago Fire series regular role after season 12, but Boden is still expected to return in season 13.
According toNBC Insider, Walker has stepped down from his series regular role. However, the actor will havea recurring role inChicago Fireseason 13 as Bodenisnow the Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department.As a result, one should expect to see Boden pop in every now and then in the upcoming episodes. While it’s sad that Boden will no longer be leading Firehouse 51, the fact that he will still be present in the show is a comfort.
3Brian “Otis” Zvonecek
Played By Yuri Sardarov
Brian “Otis” Zvonecek was one of the original firefighters inChicago Fireand was a fan favorite from the start, which is why his death was so heartbreaking. Yuri Sardarov’sOtis was loyal, funny, smart,and just an all-aroundlikableChicago Firecharacter. He was essentially the heart of Firehouse 51. So, losing Otis during the season 8 premiere was beyond devastating. Otis isn’t the onlyChicago Firecharacter to die on the show, but his death ranks among the procedural drama’s most shocking and gut-wrenching.
Ultimately, although his death is tragic, it also proves how heroic, brave, and caring Otis was, and he’s dearly missed.
Firehouse 51 answered a mattress factory fire call during the season 7 finale, which ended on a cliffhanger with many lives hanging in the balance due to the fire’s intensity and an old boiler on the brink of exploding. Every character was inside, and whenChicago Fireseason 8 premiered, viewers watched asOtis sacrificed his life to save the others.He succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, but his final words were “Brother, I will be with you always” in Russian to Cruz. Ultimately, although his death is tragic, it also proves how heroic, brave, and caring Otis was, and he’s dearly missed.
2Christopher Herrmann
Played By David Eigenberg
David Eigenberg is another originalChicago Firecast member, and fans have been lucky to have his character, Christopher Herrmann, for all 12 (soon to be 13) seasons. Herrmann didn’t become a lieutenant until season 7. However, he had always served as a mentor or father figure to many of the younger firefighters of Firehouse 51.Herrmann is always willing to take people under his wing and teach themall he has learned in his many years as a firefighter (for example, Ritter).
KaDee Strickland
Monica Pascal
Not only is Herrmann respected, but he’s also just a dynamic and all-around fun character. It’s easy to root for Herrmann, and it’s also terrifying when he’s in imminent danger. AlthoughHerrmann won’t be Boden’s Firehouse 51 replacement inChicago Fireseason 13, the fact thatHerrmann was the former chief’s pick to be his successorjust proves how well-liked he is and how great of a leader he is.
1Leslie Shay
Played By Lauren German
Lauren German only playedthe lovable Leslie Shay for two seasons inChicago Fire, but those two seasons were enough to cement her place as one of the show’s best characters.Shay was one of the two original paramedicsin the series alongside Gabby Dawson. Yes, she had her issues (which is partly why she and Severide were best friends). However, it’s no fun when a character is perfect, and it was entertaining to watch Shay develop throughout her time on the NBC procedural drama.
Since Shay was so well-liked and her death was so tragic, everyone at Firehouse 51 (and many members of the audience) took Shay’s death hard inChicago Fire.
Shay was intelligent, strongly opinionated, fearless, loyal,and so much more. She was never afraid to speak up for what was right and always defended her friends. Sadly, Shay became the show’s first major casualty following the season 2 finale when she and other members of Firehouse 51 got called to a fire.
While Shay and Gabby were helping someone inside, the building exploded, and viewers had to wait until the season 3 premiere to learn everyone’s fate. Every character besidesShay, who was struck with a metal pipe in the head,survived the explosion. Since Shay was so well-liked and her death was so tragic, everyone at Firehouse 51 (and many members of the audience) took Shay’s death hard inChicago Fire.
Chicago Fire
Cast
Chicago Fire follows the lives of firefighters, rescue squad members, and paramedics of Firehouse 51 in Chicago as they face professional and personal challenges, showcasing their dedication, teamwork, and resilience.
