Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman explains why an original character is suddenly exiting after 12 seasons. To say that One Chicago has suffered big departures in the last couple of years would be an understatement. Chicago PD lost Jay Halstead, while Chicago Med saw Will Halstead leave as well. In Firehouse 51, the team bid goodbye to three characters just this year, with Chicago Fire‘s latest exit being Derrick Gibson. As it turns out, however, the first responder procedural is saving the biggest departure in its finale.

In a new interview with TV Insider, Newman shares details surrounding Chief Wallace Boden’s upcoming Chicago Fire season 12 departure. Based on her comment, it seems like leaving Firehouse 51 will have something to do with a personal story akin to the reason behind Matt Casey’s decision to leave Chicago. Read her full quote below:

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. 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.

How Boden’s Departure Changes Firehouse 51 & Chicago Fire

Who Will Take Boden’s Place?

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Regardless of the specifics surrounding Boden’s upcoming Chicago Fire season 12 exit, there’s no denying that he will leave a massive void in the first responder procedural when he is finally written out. Not only has he been a pioneering One Chicago character, with Eammon Walker being the very first actor cast in the Wolf Entertainment endeavor, but he has also been Firehouse 51’s leader from the get-go. He has spearheaded the firehouse through so many ups and downs, not to mention character arrivals and departures. It’s difficult to imagine what the team will look like without him at the top.

The initial reports about Walker’s departure from Chicago Fire imply that he isn’t leaving but will step back as a series regular. Assuming that this is the case, he may still be involved at Firehouse 51 from time to time. Even then, it’s safe to say that the firehouse must find a new leader. Naturally, Kelly Severide is at the top of that list. Not only is Taylor Kinney an original One Chicago cast member, but he has also been stepping up as Boden’s replacement while the chief has been out of the office in the last couple of episodes.

Severide climbing the CFD leader would have a positive impact on Firehouse 51. Firstly, it will allow Joe Cruz to become a lieutenant without having to transfer. Secondly, it will somehow guarantee Severide’s stint in his original house moving forward to Chicago Fire season 13. There have been theories that he may be looking to transfer to OFI, but he can’t leave if he takes over Chief Boden’s spot.

Source: TV Insider