Chief Wallace Boden was going to choose Kelly Severide as his replacement in Firehouse 5, but that changed in the Chicago Fire season 12 finale. Mired with so many character departures, One Chicago has survived so many losses over the years. Thanks to its ensemble shows, it isn’t impossible to carry on despite some major exits. That being said, Eammon Walker leaving Chicago Fire is undoubtedly one of its biggest departures thus far. Aside from being an original cast member, being the first actor to be cast in Dick Wolf’s expansion projects, he has also been Firehouse 51’s fearless leader.
Despite a significantly shorter season, One Chicago delivered great year-enders. Firehouse 51 went through several big shockers, including the revelation that Jack Damon is Benny Severide’s son. There was also Sam Carver’s emotional love confession to Violet Mikami. Amid everything, Boden’s departure was arguably its biggest plot. While his Firehouse 51 exit wasn’t exactly a bad thing, considering that he would be moving to lead the whole Chicago Fire Department, it leaves his old team in shambles, especially as he vacates his office. Instead of going with the expected route, however, Boden chose Christopher Hermann as his successor.
Eammon Walker as Boden and Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire
Chief Boden leaves Firehouse 51 as he climbs the CFD ladder, but the Chicago Fire season 12 finale has another exit much bigger than his exit.
Severide Indirectly Told Boden That He Shouldn’t Be Firehouse 51’s Next Chief
Like Boden, Hermann Is Good At Counseling People
Boden had been out of office before the elections, with Severide stepping in as ranking officer. At the start of the Chicago Fire season 12 finale, Boden asked the Squad 3 Lieutenant what he thought about it. While Severide said that it was fine, he added that he didn’t realize that a big part of Boden’s job was being a counselor, on top of the paperwork. He followed by praising Hermann for taking over the counseling part and saying that Engine 51’s Commanding Officer has a knack for it. At this moment, it looked like something clicked in Boden’s mind.
Considering Severide’s role in the absence of Boden, he was in the perfect position to take over the role in light of the circumstances. Boden choosing him proved that he saw Severide as a worthy successor. However, when Stella Kidd’s husband pointed out the importance of counseling and how it seemed like he didn’t really particularly excel in that department, Boden realized that Hermann was better suited to step in and become Firehouse 51’s next leader.
Kara Killmer as Sylvie, Taylor Kinney as Severide, Miranda Mayo as Kidd in Chicago Fire
The Chicago Fire season 12 finale offers a subtle update about Sylvie Brett revealing that she deviated from a Firehouse 51’s tradition.
Why Hermann Is The Perfect Firehouse 51 Replacement For Boden
Hermann Excels And Enjoys The Most Important Aspect Of A Battalion Chief’s Job
David Eigenberg as Hermann in Chicago Fire
Ultimately, Hermann is better suited for the role of Boden’s replacement moving forward in Chicago Fire season 13. As Severide pointed out, a big part of the role is helping people sort out personal and professional issues — something that Hermann has been great at, both in Firehouse 51 and Molly’s owner. His years of service also equip him with the abilities needed to sort out any political issues, which has been a regular occurrence. It’s also worth noting that Hermann is a more stable presence in Firehouse 51 than Severide, especially in the last year.
