10 Best Characters On Chicago Fire

Throughout Chicago Fire‘s 13 seasons, the cast has changed numerous times, with many characters coming to and leaving Firehouse 51, but some have stuck out from the rest. The NBC procedural drama TV series, created by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas, follows the lives of the first responders (including firefighters and paramedics) at Firehouse 51 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago Fire launched a franchise with the One Chicago universe’s TV shows — Chicago PD, Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice — and the original series’ intriguing and complex characters are partly responsible for its (and the franchise’s) success. 

The original cast of Chicago Fire featured familiar faces such as Eamonn Walker as Chief Boden, Jesse Spencer as Matt Casey, Monica Raymund as Gabby Dawson, David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, and more. Now, the cast looks much different as various characters (some better than others) have been added over the years. While not every character in Chicago Fire has been well-received throughout the NBC procedural drama’s 13 seasons and 252 episodes, the good characters always outrank the bad. In fact, 10 prominent Chicago Fire figures are unforgettable and have made their mark not only on the show but also on TV.

10. Darren Ritter

Played By Daniel Kyri

Although Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter is a rather new Chicago Fire character, he’s undoubtedly one of the best additions to the show in recent years. Kyri joined the cast as a recurring member in season 7 before being promoted to series regular in season 9. His character, Ritter, is a firefighter assigned to Engine Company 51. Ritter was previously with Engine 37 but was fired after he froze on the job. Randall “Mouch” McHolland and Christopher Herrmann gave Ritter a second chance, though, and he’s proven himself to be a worthy firefighter who brings a youthful presence to Firehouse 51.

After losing Leslie Shay early on in Chicago Fire, the NBC series has been lacking LGBTQ+ representation. Thankfully, with the addition of Ritter, who is gay, the show has progressed a bit forward. Aside from being great representation, though, Ritter is just a heartfelt, kind, and admirable character who is always eager to learn. It has been a joy to watch Kyri’s character blossom from his introduction in season 7 to where he is now as a firefighter in Chicago Fire season 13.

9. Stella Kidd

Played By Miranda Rae Mayo

Stella Kidd hasn’t been at Firehouse 51 since the NBC show’s beginning, but she has still cemented herself as one of the most important characters in Chicago Fire. Miranda Rae Mayo made her debut as Kidd towards the end of season 4 when she transferred to Firehouse 51. Unfortunately, she was one of the two female firefighters, but given her bold and confident personality, Kidd didn’t have many problems fitting in. Plus, Kidd is inarguably one of the best firefighters on the show, which is why she was promoted to lieutenant and was appointed the officer in charge of Truck 81 following Matt Casey’s exit.

Kidd is very headstrong (in a good way), consistently gives back to her community, and is fiercely protective of her loved ones.

Of course, Kidd’s standing as a phenomenal firefighter makes her one of Chicago Fire‘s best characters. However, her personality outside of work is also endearing. Kidd is very headstrong (in a good way), consistently gives back to her community, and is fiercely protective of her loved ones. For all these reasons, Kidd will always be one of the most beloved characters in the original One Chicago TV show.

8. Joe Cruz

Played By Joe Minoso

Joe Cruz has been a steady and reliable presence at Firehouse 51, and he is one of the few remaining original characters left heading into Chicago Fire season 13 (for good reason). Joe Minoso’s Cruz had a rough upbringing that sadly followed him into adulthood. However, Cruz has built a good life for himself and worked very hard to get to where he is today in the world of Chicago Fire​​​​​​.

Cruz’s dedication to his work and family is admirable, which is why it’s not surprising that he is one of the best characters that Chicago Fire has to offer. If anyone deserves a happy ending, it’s Cruz. Thankfully, Cruz is still a part of the show, meaning viewers can continue to experience his hard-working, lovable, and humorous character for (hopefully) many seasons to come.

7. Sylvie Brett

Played By Kara Killmer

Unfortunately, fans had to say goodbye to paramedic Sylvie Brett when Kara Killmer exited Chicago Fire in the middle of season 12. The good news is that Brett was an integral part of the NBC procedural drama for almost 10 seasons. Plus, she got her happy ending. Killmer joined the main cast during the season 3 premiere when Brett transferred to Ambulance 61 to replace Shay after her tragic death. Although many were disheartened by Leslie Shay’s death, Brett quickly proved herself to be a worthy member of Firehouse 51.

[Sylvie Brett] was respected by many as she was level-headed, intelligent, empathetic, caring, and had every quality one needs to be an excellent first responder.

Brett was one of the most talented paramedics to come through Firehouse 51. She was respected by many as she was level-headed, intelligent, empathetic, caring, and had every quality one needs to be an excellent first responder. After almost 10 seasons of having a chaotic love life, Brett finally married Matt Casey in Chicago Fire season 12, episode 6, and the two (along with Brett’s adopted daughter, Julia) promptly moved to Portland, Oregon.

6. Kelly Severide

Played By Taylor Kinney

Taylor Kinney’s Kelly Severide has been a part of the Firehouse 51 crew since the Chicago Fire series premiere in October 2012. Yes, he has had some frustrating moments over the course of his 12 seasons on the show. However, one can’t help but continue rooting for Severide despite his mistakes. Severide is nothing if not passionate, and his passion and emotion undoubtedly drive him in his professional and personal life. Watching Severide’s character arc in Chicago Fire has been a pleasure, and he will continue to grow as the episodes continue.

Even though Kinney’s exit from Chicago Fire has been rumored for the last couple of seasons, Severide is seemingly here to stay (at least, for season 13). As he tries to get back on track planning his and Kidd’s future, Severide will also be dealing with the revelation that Jack Damon is Benny Severide’s son, making him Kelly’s half-brother. Chicago Fire season 13’s story has a lot in store for Severide, which is only made possible by his complex and passionate nature.

5. Matt Casey

Played By Jesse Spencer

While Severide led Squad 3, Matt Casey was the leader of Truck 81 at the start of Chicago Fire. Despite the NBC procedural drama TV show’s ensemble cast, Casey and Severide were, without a doubt, the main characters, and for good reason. Severide’s good qualities (like his passion) are listed above. Meanwhile, Casey was seemingly the opposite of Severide, which made for an interesting dynamic between the two firefighters. Although Casey is Severide’s polar opposite, he is still one of Chicago Fire‘s best characters.

[Matt Casey’s] position as a strong and reliable leader was admirable, and not an episode goes by where he isn’t missed.

Casey was logical, stern, and respected, and he always kept his cool during emergencies when he worked at Firehouse 51. His position as a strong and reliable leader was admirable, and not an episode goes by where he isn’t missed. Casey left Chicago Fire at the beginning of season 10 to look after Andrew Darden’s two sons in Portland. Spencer returned a few times to reprise his role as Casey. However, following Casey and Brett’s wedding in season 12, it’s quite unlikely that the audience will see the couple onscreen anytime soon.

4. Wallace Boden

Played By Eamonn Walker

Chief Wallace Boden was the leader of Firehouse 51 for 12 seasons, but his tenure came to an end when Eamonn Walker left Chicago Fire after season 12. What makes his exit so sad is that Boden was an original member of the squad and he was the best person to lead Firehouse 51. Consequently, it will be difficult for anyone to fill his shoes. Boden was fiercely protective of his firefighters and paramedics and had a strong, commanding presence that many respected. The good news is that Boden isn’t gone from Chicago Fire for good.

According to NBC Insider, Walker has stepped down from his series regular role. However, the actor will have a recurring role in Chicago Fire season 13 as Boden is now the Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department. As a result, one should expect to see Boden pop in every now and then in the upcoming episodes. While it’s sad that Boden will no longer be leading Firehouse 51, the fact that he will still be present in the show is a comfort.

3. Brian “Otis” Zvonecek

Played By Yuri Sardarov

Brian “Otis” Zvonecek was one of the original firefighters in Chicago Fire and was a fan favorite from the start, which is why his death was so heartbreaking. Yuri Sardarov’s Otis was loyal, funny, smart, and just an all-around likable Chicago Fire character. He was essentially the heart of Firehouse 51. So, losing Otis during the season 8 premiere was beyond devastating. Otis isn’t the only Chicago Fire character to die on the show, but his death ranks among the procedural drama’s most shocking and gut-wrenching.

Ultimately, although his death is tragic, it also proves how heroic, brave, and caring Otis was, and he’s dearly missed.

Firehouse 51 answered a mattress factory fire call during the season 7 finale, which ended on a cliffhanger with many lives hanging in the balance due to the fire’s intensity and an old boiler on the brink of exploding. Every character was inside, and when Chicago Fire season 8 premiered, viewers watched as Otis sacrificed his life to save the others. He succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, but his final words were “Brother, I will be with you always” in Russian to Cruz. Ultimately, although his death is tragic, it also proves how heroic, brave, and caring Otis was, and he’s dearly missed.

2. Christopher Herrmann

Played By David Eigenberg

David Eigenberg is another original Chicago Fire cast member, and fans have been lucky to have his character, Christopher Herrmann, for all 12 (soon to be 13) seasons. Herrmann didn’t become a lieutenant until season 7. However, he had always served as a mentor or father figure to many of the younger firefighters of Firehouse 51. Herrmann is always willing to take people under his wing and teach them all he has learned in his many years as a firefighter (for example, Ritter).

Not only is Herrmann respected, but he’s also just a dynamic and all-around fun character. It’s easy to root for Herrmann, and it’s also terrifying when he’s in imminent danger. Although Herrmann won’t be Boden’s Firehouse 51 replacement in Chicago Fire season 13, the fact that Herrmann was the former chief’s pick to be his successor just proves how well-liked he is and how great of a leader he is.

1. Leslie Shay

Played By Lauren German

Lauren German only played the lovable Leslie Shay for two seasons in Chicago Fire, but those two seasons were enough to cement her place as one of the show’s best characters. Shay was one of the two original paramedics in the series alongside Gabby Dawson. Yes, she had her issues (which is partly why she and Severide were best friends). However, it’s no fun when a character is perfect, and it was entertaining to watch Shay develop throughout her time on the NBC procedural drama.

Since Shay was so well-liked and her death was so tragic, everyone at Firehouse 51 (and many members of the audience) took Shay’s death hard in Chicago Fire.

Shay was intelligent, strongly opinionated, fearless, loyal, and so much more. She was never afraid to speak up for what was right and always defended her friends. Sadly, Shay became the show’s first major casualty following the season 2 finale when she and other members of Firehouse 51 got called to a fire.

While Shay and Gabby were helping someone inside, the building exploded, and viewers had to wait until the season 3 premiere to learn everyone’s fate. Every character besides Shay, who was struck with a metal pipe in the head, survived the explosion. Since Shay was so well-liked and her death was so tragic, everyone at Firehouse 51 (and many members of the audience) took Shay’s death hard in Chicago Fire.