Big changes are coming to Firehouse 51. Just months after news broke that Chicago Fire would be losing two longtime cast members, it’s now been confirmed that yet another major character is saying goodbye ahead of Season 14 — and fans are definitely feeling the heat.
As reported by TVLine, actor Michael Bradway will not be returning for the upcoming season. Bradway, who joined the cast in Season 12 as rookie firefighter Jack Damon, has signed on to star in Every Summer After, a new series from Prime Video based on Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel. While the news is disappointing for fans, it’s not entirely surprising. Bradway had a reduced role in Season 13 and his character’s arc, while impactful, seemed to be winding down.
Damon’s story brought plenty of intrigue to the firehouse. Introduced as a fresh graduate from the academy, Jack Damon quickly became the subject of suspicion, especially from Kidd and Severide. In a major twist revealed in the Season 12 finale, viewers learned that Damon is actually Severide’s half-brother, a bombshell that seemed to set the stage for deeper storylines. However, that plotline may now be cut short.
It’s currently expected that Damon’s exit will take place off-screen. The good news? Producers haven’t ruled out a return. According to TVLine, Bradway could be back for a guest appearance or even a short arc if scheduling allows — so fans of the character still have a glimmer of hope.
Bradway’s departure marks the third major exit heading into Season 14. He follows Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) and Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) out the door. Carver’s exit was at least hinted at in the Season 13 finale, as the character accepted a job out of state. But Ritter’s exit came without warning, leading fans to worry that his send-off might be brief — or worse, happen off-screen.
To help fill the gaps, Chicago Fire is adding some fresh faces. NBC has confirmed that Brandon Larracuente has joined the cast as a series regular. While his character details are still being kept secret, it’s likely he’ll be stepping into one of the roles left open by the departures of Damon, Carver, or Ritter.
Despite the turnover, several familiar faces will be back for Season 14. NBC has already secured the returns of Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide), and Dermot Mulroney (Chief Dom Pascal), giving longtime fans some much-needed continuity amid all the changes.
As for when we’ll see it all unfold, Chicago Fire is officially returning this fall as part of NBC’s Wednesday night lineup, alongside Chicago Med and Chicago P.D.. A premiere date hasn’t been announced just yet, but with so many cast shakeups and new faces arriving, Season 14 is shaping up to be one of the most eventful yet.
