No, Herrmann (David Eigenberg) will not be Boden’s (Eamonn Walker) successor for reasons as yet unknown. Sources close to production reveal that 51’s new chief Dom Pascal (which could change) will be an entirely new male character who began his career with the CFD but spent the last decade as a chief in Sunny Miami. Dom is described as a cheerful person who works well under pressure, and whose leadership style differs from Boden’s. He and his wife are estranged. Casting for the series regular role is currently underway.

There’s been plenty of changes at the Firehouse of late, most recently with Walker departing as a series regular with plans to return in a recurring role in the future. In “Never Say Goodbye,” Boden is promoted to Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department leaving the door open to come back.

Before that, One Chicago fans said goodbye to Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) after the paramedic married her true love Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) and moved with their daughter to Portland. Alberto Rosende departed in the Season 12 premiere episode as well.

Newbies also arrived including Rome Flynn, Jocelyn Hudon and Michael Bradway. Bradway has a juicy storyline to pick up when Season 13 returns. In the Season 12 finale, it was revealed his character Jack Damon is Severide’s (Taylor Kinney) brother. Hudon’s Lizzy Novak is a wild and free parademic who after a rocky start is settling in well with the team alongside Violet (Hanako Greensmith). Flynn shocked fans when he departed the series after just 6 episodes but fret not, he’s already been cast in the MGM+ series Godfather of Harlem for the drama’s fourth season.