Will Ritter and Carver Get the Chicago Fire Sendoff They Deserve? What We Need from Their Final Episodes

It’s never easy to say goodbye to characters who have earned their stripes—not just at Firehouse 51, but in the hearts of Chicago Fire fans. After seven seasons of steady growth and heart from Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter and three seasons of grit and redemption from Jake Lockett’s Sam Carver, it’s officially confirmed. Both actors will exit the series after Season 13, per Deadline.

Their exits (believed to be budget-related, as NBC and Wolf Entertainment are discussing a possible renewal) come at a key time for the show, which remains a streaming and broadcast staple. What makes these departures sting more is how deeply both characters are entrenched in the emotional fabric of the firehouse.

Ritter, the ever-reliable, big-hearted firefighter who’s never shied away from vulnerability, and Carver, a man clawing his way back from the edge, deserve final episodes that honor their complexity. With filming still underway, there’s hope that Chicago Fire will give these two the farewell they’ve earned.

Ritter deserves a final arc that celebrates his growth

Darren Ritter has been more than just a steady presence on Chicago Fire. Introduced in Season 7 and upgraded to main cast in Season 9, Kyri’s portrayal brought warmth, quiet resilience, and real emotional stakes. Over the years, fans saw Ritter go through high-pressure rescues, team dynamics, and—most recently—his relationship with Officer Dwayne Monroe, which ended because Ritter wasn’t ready to move in.

His decision didn’t feel like a step back; it was about pacing, boundaries, and self-worth, making him one of the show’s most relatable characters. His empathy, whether stepping up for new recruits or emotionally supporting Violet, made him one of the beating hearts of 51. If Chicago Fire is smart, it’ll close Ritter’s arc with dignity—perhaps a promotion, a powerful final call, or even reconciliation with Dwayne that doesn’t hinge on cohabitation but on mutual growth.

Darren Ritter went from a basic firefighter to a valued team member. A full circle that reminds us of how far he’s come would be the tribute the fans would need.

MORE: Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 18 Review: ‘Post-Mortem’

Carver’s redemption in Chicago Fire deserves a hero’s closure

Jake Lockett’s Sam Carver came in hot—literally and figuratively—in Season 11, and his arc has been nothing short of volatile. From butting heads with squadmates to finding stability with Violet (and later, losing it), Carver’s journey has been defined by second chances. His descent into relapse and subsequent entry into rehab gave his character a much-needed human dimension.

Lockett’s time is officially up after Season 13, but there’s still narrative runway. Whether it’s a final fire that tests everything he’s learned in recovery, or a quiet but earned reconciliation with Violet, Carver deserves closure that honors the work he’s done to be better. Not perfect—but better.

His renewed friendship with Violet has given fans glimmers of hope. Let’s see him leave not in shame or heartbreak but with the respect of his peers and self-assurance that he fought for every bit of progress. And please, please, for Violet’s sake and our own, let’s see him get to leave Firehouse 51 in one piece. Violet Makami has already lost enough.

With production still rolling, there’s time to write these exits in ways that move us. They’re not background players; they’re family. Firehouse 51 wouldn’t be the same without them, but a respectful farewell might see them remembered for the heroes they have been.