If you walked into Firehouse 51 expecting to see Wallace Boden behind that big desk, you’re in for a shock. Honestly, the vibe is completely different now. Season 13 of Chicago Fire isn't just another year of fighting blazes; it’s a total identity crisis for the crew we've spent over a decade watching.
Eamonn Walker, who basically was the heart of the show as Chief Boden, isn't a series regular anymore. He stepped down, and that left a massive, chief-sized hole in the middle of the bullpen. But don't think for a second the cast is getting smaller. If anything, the Chicago Fire cast season 13 is more chaotic and crowded than ever.
The New Guy in the Big Chair
Everyone thought Christopher Herrmann (played by the legendary David Eigenberg) would just slide into that chief position. It made sense, right? Boden even gave him the nod before he left to become Deputy Commissioner. But TV drama doesn't work that way. Instead, we got Dom Pascal.
Dermot Mulroney joined the team as Chief Pascal, and he is... well, he’s intense. He’s coming from Miami, and he has a completely different style than Boden. Where Boden was like a father figure who’d protect his own at any cost, Pascal is a bit of a wildcard. He brought a new set of rules and a mysterious vibe that has the whole house on edge. Plus, his personal life is messy. KaDee Strickland joined the cast as Monica Pascal, his estranged wife, and their drama is already spilling over into the firehouse.
Who’s Still Standing at Firehouse 51?
Despite all the "out with the old" energy, the core of the Chicago Fire cast season 13 remains surprisingly solid. You’ve still got the heavy hitters who have been there since the early days:
- Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide: He’s still the face of Squad 3, even if he’s juggling a lot of family secrets this year (looking at you, Jack Damon).
- Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd: She’s leading Truck 81 and trying to navigate the friction between her crew and the new chief.
- David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann: He’s still on Engine 51, though he’s definitely feeling the sting of not getting that promotion.
- Christian Stolte as "Mouch": He’s actually looking to level up his career this season, which is a fun arc for a character who’s usually the comic relief.
- Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz: Still the backbone of the squad, dealing with the usual mix of firefighting heroics and family life.
The New Regulars and the "Secret" Brother
The biggest promotion news involves Jocelyn Hudon. She joined late last year as Lyla "Lizzie" Novak, the bubbly but slightly reckless paramedic. Fans loved her energy, and the producers clearly did too, because she’s now a full-blown series regular on Ambulance 61 next to Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith).
Then there’s the Jack Damon situation. Played by Michael Bradway, Damon was the "floater" who dropped a bombshell in the season 12 finale—he’s Severide’s half-brother. This has turned the dynamic on Truck 81 upside down. Is he a good guy? Is he just looking for a family? It’s complicated, and it’s one of the main reasons the drama feels so fresh this year.
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The Ghost of Wallace Boden
Even though Eamonn Walker isn't a regular, he hasn't vanished. One of the most talked-about moments in season 13 is his return as Deputy Commissioner in the episode "Post Mortem."
It wasn't a "happy to see you" visit. Boden showed up to investigate a massive screw-up where a firefighter was left behind during a call. Seeing him back in the house, but in a suit and with a clipboard, was jarring. He had to interrogate his old friends. It showed a side of Boden we rarely saw—the cold, bureaucratic side. It also reminded us that even though he’s gone from the daily roster, his influence is everywhere.
Why This Season Feels Different
Basically, the show is growing up. We lost Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) last year when she moved to Oregon to be with Casey. We lost Boden. The "old guard" is shrinking.
What's left is a mix of veteran expertise and new, unpredictable energy. Jake Lockett, who plays Sam Carver, was also upped to a series regular this year, but keep your ears open—rumors are swirling that his time at 51 might be winding down as the season progresses. That’s the thing about this show; nobody is ever truly safe.
What You Should Watch For Next
If you’re trying to keep up with the rotating door of Firehouse 51, keep these points in mind:
- Watch the Pascal/Boden friction: Even though Boden is higher up the food chain now, Pascal doesn't seem like the type to take orders quietly.
- The Severide family tree: The Jack Damon storyline is going to get messier before it gets better. Watch how Stella handles having her brother-in-law on her truck.
- The Mouch transformation: Pay attention to Mouch’s attempt to move up. It’s a rare serious arc for him that changes the power balance in the common room.
The Chicago Fire cast season 13 is a transition team. They’re bridging the gap between the classic era of the show and whatever comes next. Whether you love the new chief or miss the old one, the firehouse is definitely not getting any quieter.
Keep an eye on the mid-season crossover events, as this year marks a return to the big three-show crossovers (Med, Fire, and P.D.) that we haven't seen in a long time. It’s a great way to see how the new 51 crew fits into the larger One Chicago universe.