Cruz’s Chicago Fire Season 13 Crisis Proves Why Dom Pascal Is Boden’s Perfect Firehouse 51 Replacement

Firefighter Joe Cruz was under the radar in season 13 of Chicago Fire. However, while the Chicago Fire season 13 fall finale raised questions when it placed Cruz in a dilemma when he’s threatened by Junior Polanco, it also showed why Dom Pascal is a solid replacement for Boden. Polanco blames Cruz for leaving his cousin, the gang leader Flaco, in a fire back in season 1. After Junior is shot by gangsters during the winter premiere, Cruz is also left with a gunshot wound and is uncertain about how to resolve the situation.

When Chicago Fire‘s Chief Dom Pascal and Kelly Severide question Cruz about Flaco’s death and Polanco’s recent prison release, Cruz refuses to tell them what he knows. Pascal notices Cruz’s hesitation to speak out about this problem and asks Severide to look back at the evidence of the fire that killed Flaco. Dom may be the new chief at Firehouse 51 for the troubled Chicago Fire season 13, but his role as the new leader is what Cruz and the unit need to resolve challenging cases, and the way he handled it was promising.

Dom Pascal’s Handling Of Joe Cruz’s Crisis Shows Why He’s An Effective Leader

Pascal Means Business With Everyone At Firehouse 51

Dom has proven to be an effective leader in Firehouse 51 who looks at every firefighter and paramedic under a microscope to ensure they are all doing their job correctly. When Pascal looks at an old fire case involving Joe Cruz and the death of gang leader Flaco, he instantly raises questions to Cruz about what he remembers, as well as what he knows about Junior’s prison release. During his meeting with Cruz, Pascal reads Cruz’s body language as the firefighter hesitates to answer his questions.

Pascal also has a surprised reaction when Cruz lies about not hearing about Junior’s release from jail in Chicago Fire, causing the chief to have concerns about Cruz because he believes he’s holding back information about the case. The chief discusses the cold case with Severide, telling the lieutenant he believes Cruz isn’t sharing every detail with them. Pascal’s suspicion of Cruz is further enhanced when Severide declares that Cruz wouldn’t have been able to save Flaco from the fire. This leads Dom to question Severide’s analysis, wondering if he’s tackling this case as an investigator or a sentimental colleague.

Pascal’s fresh perspective on Cruz’s case is pivotal to his leadership because he isn’t personally attached to the members of Firehouse 51. This makes it easier for the new chief to judge and question how every firefighter handles the pressure of their work. Dom’s new role as chief is also sending a message to Cruz, Severide, and everyone in the unit that no one can hide dirty secrets and cover up essential information, or they will be in trouble.

Why Firehouse 51 Needs Dom Pascal’s Kind Of Leadership After Being Under Boden For So Long

Pascal Is The Change Firehouse 51 Needs

Eamonn Walker’s 12-season Chicago Fire run as Chief Wallace Boden was key to the show’s success because he was a mentor and father figure to everyone in Firehouse 51. He was also a stern leader but with a warmer touch because each firefighter and paramedic could approach him with a problem and keep it behind closed doors. However, now that Pascal is an outsider who has taken the mantle, everyone is put on notice, and they need to be transparent and honest about their issues.

While Christopher Herrmann passed the captain’s exam and is aiming to lead Firehouse 51, Pascal has proven to be a strong leader for this unit because he’s impartial and can run the firehouse without having personal attachments. This will be key in Chicago Fire to running the group of firefighters who have to get used to change and maintain their focus on doing a good job at their work.