Immediately upon taking command of Firehouse 51 in the Chicago Fire season 13 premiere, Pascal announced he would be making changes to the way the firehouse was run, emphasizing that he did not intend to be exactly like Boden. This understandably riled up many of the firefighters, especially when he planned to meet later with several of them personally to discuss changes to their leadership style. However, Pascal attempted to gain goodwill by accompanying them on a call. This idea ultimately failed because of his announcement after the call that he was banning cell phone use while on duty.
Pascal does not want the firefighters to take or receive personal calls during their shifts, claiming that this policy will force them to relate to one another instead of being distracted by non-work-related conversations.
From a practical standpoint, this ban makes little sense, as the firefighters need their phones to stay in touch during emergencies and to receive emergency calls. However, Boden’s replacement’s controversial policy involves the use of cell phones for personal reasons. Pascal does not want the firefighters to take or receive personal calls during their shifts, claiming that this policy will force them to relate to one another instead of being distracted by non-work-related conversations.
