According to Deadline, actor Eamonn Walker, who has played Wallace Boden on Chicago Fire since the series premiere, has decided to leave the show after 12 seasons. This isn’t the NBC drama’s first cast change in Season 12.

With that said, the silver lining in all of this is that it doesn’t appear Boden will be leaving the series permanently, but will instead return from time to time.

Walker has been on Chicago Fire since the pilot episode aired in 2012 and is one of three actors remaining from the original Season 1 cast; David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann) and Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide) are the other two.

Chicago Fire, Part 12: More shaking developments
As part of the Chicago franchise and one of the most popular dramas on NBC, it’s not too shocking that the network renewed Chicago Fire for Season 13.
However, as of the end of Season 12, Walker will be one of four stars to have left the show this season. Main cast members, Kara Killmer (Sylvie Brett) and Alberto Rosende (Blake Gallo) left at different times in Season 12; while Rome Flynn (Derrick Gibson) joined the show in a recurring role to potentially become something more, only to announce his departure mid-season.

Chicago Fire, Part 12: Why did Eamonn Walker leave?
As of this writing, the reason for Walker’s departure remains unclear. However, with the decision to bring his status to “recurring”, this means he has a good working relationship with Chicago Fire and his character will remain a mainstay of the series as it continue.

It will be interesting to see how Chicago Fire will handle Walker’s transition from “regular” to “recurring,” the shift in power that will inevitably occur in Firehouse 51, and how the staff will save The fire will adjust to have someone new take the lead.

Do you miss seeing Eamonn Walker and Wallace Boden regularly on Chicago Fire? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for the film Wednesday night at 9 p.m. (ET), airing on NBC. Stay tuned to this site for the best TV spoilers, news and updates!