What Happened To Chief Boden In ‘Chicago Fire?’ Meet His Replacement Taking Over Firehouse 51

There’s a new chief in town. When Season 13 returns, fans will notice the absence of one of Firehouse 51’s beloved original members: Chief Boden. So, what happened to Chief Boden, and who’s stepping in to replace him this season? Here’s everything to know to get caught up.

In May, news outlets reported that original cast member Eamonn Walker was leaving Chicago Fire after 12 seasons. A source told Deadline that Boden’s character was “still very much alive and well” and that Walker “is expected to return to the show in a recurring capacity in the future.”

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At the time, it was unknown how Chicago Fire would write out the original cast member, who has been a mainstay on the show since its inception in 2012. The procedural has seen numerous cast exits over the years, most recently Kara Killmer, who left her role as Sylvie Brett in episode 6, and Alberto Rosende, who exited as Blake Gallo in the Season 12 premiere.

Chicago Fire Season 13 is expected to pick up right where Season 12 left off, with Chief Boden stepping down as Fire Chief of Firehouse 51. With the arrival of the new boss, the crew will likely face the challenge of adjusting to their leadership. Here’s what to know about Boden’s departure last season and who will replace him.

What Happened To Chief Boden In Chicago Fire?

In the Season 12 finale, Chief Boden left his role as Fire Chief of Firehouse 51 to become the CFD’s Deputy Commissioner. Although he was initially reluctant to take the position, Boden changed his mind when he learned the department was in jeopardy due to the candidacy of Paramedic Chief Robinson (Laura Allen). Robinson wanted to replace the older generation of firefighters with a new wave of recruits.

Last season marked Eamonn Walker’s last time as a series regular. Showrunner Andrea Newman previously told TV Insider that Boden’s exit was a natural progression for the character’s storyline.

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“Boden has been managing a lot of change at home (with his stepson James) and at 51, and learned a lot while doing it, including about himself,” Newman told the site on May 19. “A shocking incident in the finale will highlight what it means to him to be a leader, and everyone close to him will be impacted in a huge way by the decision he makes.”

Who Is Chief Boden’s Replacement, Chief Pascal, in Chicago Fire?

NBC announced that Dermot Mulroney was cast as Boden’s replacement for the upcoming season of Chicago Fire. Mulroney will portray Dom Pascal, a veteran firefighter from Chicago who has been working as a fire chief in Miami for the past decade. Now, Pascal is moving back to Chicago to accept the job. Pascal is estranged from his wife, Monica, which will play into his storylines this season.

Newman teased that Boden’s replacement will shake everything up this season. “What’s transpired to get him [Pascal] here is revealed in the premiere,” she explained. He’s a totally different kind of leader from Boden, who was a father figure by the time he left the house.

She added that Pascal “is enigmatic, he wants to peel back the layers of the firefighters to find out more about them as firefighters and people because knowledge is power to him. He’s got his eye out for people who cross the line.”

Will Chief Boden Return In Chicago Fire Season 13?

The good news is that Chief Boden is expected to return in Season 13 on a recurring basis. Andrea Newman confirmed that Walker will appear in Season 13, but not immediately.

“We have a mantra,” Newman said to TVInsider, “We say once a part of 51, always a part of 51. That’s particularly true for Boden because he’s still in the CFD. So yes, we do plan on seeing him, although not right off the bat.”

Chicago Fire airs on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. New episodes will stream the next day on Peacock.