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The Firehouse Shakes Up: 5 Major Chicago Fire Cast Changes You Need To Know For Season 14

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The landscape of Firehouse 51 has been dramatically reshaped. As of late 2024 and heading into the highly anticipated Season 14, the long-running NBC drama Chicago Fire has undergone one of its most significant cast shake-ups in years, with three series regulars confirming their departures. This wave of exits and arrivals means that the dynamic of Truck 81 and the leadership structure have been fundamentally altered, promising a completely fresh start for the series when it returns for its next season.

The changes are a blend of creative decisions and, more notably, real-world business factors, specifically "budget cuts" across Wolf Entertainment’s "One Chicago" franchise, which has affected several beloved characters. This article breaks down every major cast change, from the emotional goodbyes to the exciting new faces stepping into the hallowed halls of Firehouse 51 for Season 14, which premiered on October 1, 2025.

Major Departures: The Three Firefighters Who Said Goodbye to Firehouse 51

The end of Season 13 brought a shocking triple exit that left fans reeling. The departures of three key characters—two of whom were series regulars—mark a significant shift in the show's ensemble structure. The common thread behind these exits is a reported push for budget reduction by the network.

1. Daniel Kyri as Firefighter Darren Ritter

Darren Ritter, a character who joined the series in Season 7 as a nervous candidate and blossomed into a solid, respected firefighter and a key member of the Truck 81 crew, has officially exited the series. Daniel Kyri’s departure was one of the most surprising, given Ritter’s long tenure and his important role in the show's diversity.

  • Character Arc: Ritter was known for his dedication, his close friendship with Gallo, and his commitment to his dog, Tuesday.
  • In-Show Exit Reason: The storyline for his departure was a surprisingly happy one, with Ritter choosing to step away from his duties at Firehouse 51 to focus on himself and his future, a narrative decision that gave the character a positive send-off.
  • Real-World Reason: Kyri's exit, alongside a co-star, was widely reported to be a result of budget cuts affecting the *One Chicago* shows.

2. Jake Lockett as Firefighter Sam Carver

Jake Lockett, who played the charismatic and sometimes volatile Sam Carver, also departed after Season 13. Carver quickly became a central figure, especially due to his complex relationship with Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and his journey to finding his place at Firehouse 51.

  • Character Arc: Carver was introduced as a former colleague of Kidd's and a troubled but ultimately good-hearted firefighter who found a home on Truck 81. His character was involved in major storylines, including a traumatic injury.
  • In-Show Exit Reason: Carver’s exit was framed as a personal decision to take a step back and focus on his own well-being after a tumultuous period.
  • Real-World Reason: Similar to Kyri's departure, Lockett’s exit was a "network business decision" tied to financial tightening and budget cuts.

3. Michael Bradway as Firefighter Jack Damon

A more recent addition, Michael Bradway's character, Jack Damon, who arrived in Season 12 as a floater for Truck 81, will also not be returning for Season 14. Damon's storyline was brief but impactful, hinting at a deeper connection to the firehouse's past.

  • Character Arc: Damon was a fresh face who quickly proved his mettle, adding a new dynamic to the Truck 81 crew.
  • Exit Status: Bradway is the latest actor to leave, with his departure announced ahead of the Season 14 premiere.

New Arrivals and Leadership Shifts: Who's Stepping Up?

With multiple vacancies at Firehouse 51, the show has introduced new blood and a new command structure to fill the void. These additions are crucial for the series to maintain its topical authority and keep the character dynamics fresh.

1. Dermot Mulroney as Battalion Chief Dominick "Dom" Pascal

The biggest leadership change came in Season 13 with the arrival of veteran actor Dermot Mulroney as Battalion Chief Dominick "Dom" Pascal. Mulroney steps into a series-regular role, replacing the iconic Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), who was promoted to Deputy Commissioner at the end of Season 12.

  • Role: Chief Dom Pascal is the new commander of Firehouse 51.
  • Character Description: Pascal is described as a veteran who began his career with the Chicago Fire Department (CFD). His presence immediately changes the command dynamic that fans were accustomed to under Boden's long tenure.
  • Impact: His arrival is a massive shift, as Boden had been the steady, father-figure presence at the firehouse since the show's inception. Mulroney’s character is expected to bring a different, possibly more challenging, leadership style to the crew.

2. Brandon Larracuente as Firefighter Sal Vasquez

To help fill the empty slots on Truck 81 left by the triple departure, the show is introducing a new series regular in Season 14: Brandon Larracuente as Sal Vasquez.

  • Role: Firefighter Sal Vasquez, a new member of the Truck 81 crew.
  • Actor's Background: Larracuente is known for his roles in shows like 13 Reasons Why and Party of Five.
  • Expectations: The addition of Sal Vasquez will be vital in re-establishing the camaraderie and professional balance on Truck 81, which lost three key members in quick succession. Fans are eager to see how his personality clashes or meshes with established characters like Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Lieutenant Stella Kidd.

The Core Team Remains: Stability Amidst the Storm

Despite the significant roster changes, the heart of Firehouse 51 remains intact, ensuring the show's foundational stability. The return of the core cast members provides a reliable anchor for fans navigating the new dynamics of Season 14.

Key returning series regulars include:

  • Taylor Kinney as Lieutenant Kelly Severide
  • Miranda Rae Mayo as Lieutenant Stella Kidd
  • David Eigenberg as Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann
  • Joe Miñoso as Firefighter Joe Cruz
  • Christian Stolte as Firefighter Randy "Mouch" McHolland
  • Kara Killmer as Paramedic Sylvie Brett (though her status has been in flux)

The return of Taylor Kinney as Lieutenant Kelly Severide, in particular, continues to be a major draw, providing the necessary continuity and leadership on the Truck. His storylines alongside his wife, Stella Kidd, will be crucial in mentoring the new members like Sal Vasquez and navigating the new command under Chief Pascal.

The new season promises a fresh, yet familiar, experience. While the exits of Darren Ritter, Sam Carver, and Jack Damon are a tough pill for long-time viewers, the arrival of Chief Pascal and Sal Vasquez guarantees a new era of compelling drama and high-stakes rescues for the brave men and women of Firehouse 51.

chicago fire cast changes
chicago fire cast changes

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