With goodbyes come new beginnings, and Chicago Fire Season 12 is no exception. As fan favorites exit the scene, Firehouse 51 is facing big changes—and one of the biggest may come in the form of a free-spirited, sharp-tongued paramedic who’s the complete opposite of the woman she now rides beside.
At the center of this new dynamic is Violet Mikami, now leading the ambulance as the newly minted Paramedic in Charge (PIC). But stepping into Sylvie Brett’s legendary shoes hasn’t been easy. After clashing with one disaster of a candidate, Violet meets someone who’s equally unpredictable… just in a very different way.
Enter Lyla Novak, portrayed by Jocelyn Hudon—a vibrant, flirty, fearless newcomer with zero interest in playing by the rules. She made her debut in Season 12, Episode 9 (“Something About Her”) and wasted no time making a splash, both professionally and personally. One minute she’s checking out every eligible bachelor in the firehouse, the next she’s saving lives with razor-sharp instincts.
Lyla’s chaotic energy immediately throws Violet off balance. She’s everything Violet isn’t—loud, carefree, a little messy, and unapologetically herself. But beneath the playful surface lies a paramedic with real skills. When a traumatic call involving a child and a loaded weapon put both women in a terrifying standoff, it was Lyla who kept her cool, calmed the situation, and dismantled the gun with precision and compassion. In that moment, Violet knew: this wild card might just be the partner she needs.
Of course, no Firehouse 51 story is complete without a little romantic tension. Lyla’s chemistry with Sam Carver, who just so happens to be Violet’s secret not-so-serious hookup, adds an extra spark—and maybe a little heat of the wrong kind. But by the end of the day, after a life-changing call and a drink at Molly’s, Violet does something unexpected: she asks Lyla to stay.
And just like that, Firehouse 51 has a new dynamic duo. Or is it a love triangle?
Who Is Jocelyn Hudon?
Jocelyn Hudon might be new to One Chicago, but she’s far from a rookie on screen. Fans of thrillers may recognize her from Guillermo Del Toro’s The Strain, while rom-com lovers likely saw her star opposite real-life husband Jake Manley in Hallmark’s Love in the Maldives. Her resume also includes appearances in Criminal Minds, Good Witch, 21 Thunder, and The Irrational.
Known for her magnetic screen presence and ability to switch from charm to depth in seconds, Hudon brings something fresh to Chicago Fire—a playful energy that still carries emotional weight. And with Lyla Novak now officially on Violet’s team, viewers can expect sparks, surprises, and no shortage of chaos ahead.
