Multiple Chicago Fire cast members left the show during season 12, and while it’s sad to see them go, it’s also exciting to learn who their replacement will be. The NBC procedural drama television series, created by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas, premiered in October 2012 and has been one of the network’s most successful shows ever since. Chicago Fire has lasted for 12 seasons, with season 13 on the way, and when any series runs for that long, the makeup of the cast is bound to change. That has certainly been true for Chicago Fire, especially during season 12.

Alberto Rosende was the first Chicago Fire cast member to exit during season 12 when his character, Blake Gallo, moved out of Chicago. Kara Killmer’s Sylvie Brett was the next to leave Chicago Fire, which wasn’t too surprising, given that Matt Casey proposed to her during the season 11 finale. Rome Flynn shocked many when he chose to depart since Derrick Gibson was intended to serve as Gallo’s replacement on Truck 81. Finally, original series regular Eamonn Walker’s Chief Boden left Chicago Fire when he accepted a new job as the Chicago Fire Department’s Deputy Commissioner.

How Lyla Novak Is Replacing Sylvie Brett In Chicago Fire Season 13
Jocelyn Hudon’s Novak Was Introduced In Season 12

After Sylve Brett married Matt Casey and the couple moved to Oregon, the search was on for her replacement on Ambulance 61 in Chicago Fire season 12. First, Firehouse 51 tried out Wesam Keesh’s Jared Lennox as Violet Mikami’s new partner. However, he wasn’t a good match as Paramedic Chief Jude Robinson had an ulterior motive for assigning Jared to the fire station. Jocelyn Hudon’s Lyla Novak then joined the cast during episode 9 and will seemingly be Brett’s permanent replacement in Chicago Fire as NBC promoted Hudon to series regular status ahead of season 13.

After Jared’s departure from Firehouse 51, Novak was the next paramedic candidate to replace Brett. Technically, Violet replaced Brett as she took over her position as the Paramedic In Charge, but Hudon is taking Kara Killmer’s spot in the cast. Regardless, Novak is Violet’s new partner, although she was initially only supposed to be a temporary paramedic at Firehouse 51 because of her status as a floater. Based on her scenes in season 12, Novak will be a great addition to the squad in Chicago Fire season 13.

Why Lyla Novak Replacing Sylvie Brett Is So Exciting
Novak Has Proven To Work Well With Violet

Sylvie Brett’s departure was among the hardest Chicago Fire exits to accept, but the good news is that her replacement shows a lot of promise. Lyla Novak is bubbly, outgoing, (seemingly) carefree, and charming, bringing a lighter side to the procedural drama. She is the complete opposite of Violet Mikami, which might be why they work so well together. Violet was unsure if their partnership would be successful at first, due to their differing personalities. However, Novak quickly proved Violet wrong during a call, and knowing that Chicago Fire season 13 will further explore this intriguing and unique duo is exciting.

Even though Lyla Novak’s status as Sylvie Brett’s replacement in Chicago Fire season 13 is quite compelling, Kara Killmer still needs to reprise her role in the future.

Novak is used to frequently bouncing from firehouse to firehouse. So, it will be interesting to see how the new paramedic adjusts to staying in one place for an extended period, especially since Firehouse 51 is a tight-knit family. Novak also has a burgeoning relationship with Jack Damon,Benny Severide’s son and Kelly Severide’s half-brother, and they could be the show’s next big couple. There are already several storylines for the NBC series to dive into regarding the new paramedic. Ultimately, Jocelyn Hudon’s Chicago Fire character holds a lot of potential, and season 13 can’t come soon enough.

Sylvie Brett Should Still Return To Chicago Fire
The Door Is Open For Brett’s Return

Even though Lyla Novak’s status as Sylvie Brett’s replacement in Chicago Fire season 13 is quite compelling, Kara Killmer still needs to reprise her role in the future. Brett’s presence on the NBC procedural drama was too significant, and no one could ever truly replace her. Thankfully, Killmer previously stated that she would be open to returning via a guest appearance in one episode. Perhaps a Brett cameo won’t come as soon as season 13. But, Brett and her husband could easily return to the Windy City just for one episode sometime in Chicago Fire’s future.