As Chicago Fire continues its action-packed 13th season, the beloved NBC drama is entering a reflective phase. With over a decade on the air, Firehouse 51 has seen its share of triumphs and tragedies, leadership changes and personal sacrifices. Most recently, the show marked the return of one of its most respected veterans — Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) — a move that has stirred up plenty of emotions among longtime fans. Boden’s comeback isn’t just a nostalgic beat. It arrives at a time of crisis, as current Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) struggles under the weight of personal loss and questionable decisions. But for the audience, the former chief’s return serves as a reminder of how deeply rooted the show’s legacy is — and how many characters have played key roles in shaping Firehouse 51’s identity.
While some former crew members were written off due to tragic deaths in the line of duty, others left the series with the door wide open for a return. Their absences are still felt, and with the show leaning into emotional arcs and callbacks to earlier seasons, the possibility of revisiting those familiar faces feels more possible than ever.
Let’s take a look at the Chicago Fire characters we miss the most — and why we’re still holding out hope for a return.
Gabriela Dawson (Monica Raymund)
It’s hard to overstate the impact Gabby Dawson had during her six seasons on Chicago Fire. As a paramedic and firefighter, she was not only a vital member of Ambulance 61 and later Truck 81, but also a deeply emotional core of the series. Her on-again, off-again relationship with Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) was one of the show’s most compelling love stories, and her fearless personality helped elevate every storyline she was part of.
Dawson left the firehouse to do humanitarian work in Puerto Rico, but she returned briefly in season 8 — sparking hope for a more permanent comeback. With Casey back in Chicago this season, fans would love nothing more than to see Gabby walk through those bay doors one more time, if only for closure.
Jason Pelham (Brett Dalton)
Jason Pelham didn’t have the longest run on Chicago Fire, but he left a lasting impression. Brought in to fill a leadership gap, Pelham quickly earned the respect of the team through humility, consistency, and a deep understanding of what makes Firehouse 51 special. His storyline ended on a positive note, with a promotion and a new post elsewhere — which, in Chicago Fire terms, often means “not gone forever.” Pelham is the kind of character who could easily reappear in a mentoring role, or step in during a firehouse crisis. And after recent leadership turbulence, his return could offer stability and familiarity.
Peter Mills (Charlie Barnett)
Peter Mills was part of Chicago Fire from the beginning. As the young, passionate firefighter-turned-paramedic, Mills had a strong emotional arc — balancing duty, family expectations, and the legacy of his late father, who also died in the line of duty.
He ultimately left the team to be with his family and help run their restaurant business. But the character’s emotional weight and historical ties to Firehouse 51 make him a perfect candidate for a cameo or brief return. A scene showing how far he’s come — or even how Firehouse 51 inspired his life after leaving — would offer longtime fans a satisfying full-circle moment.
Jimmy Borrelli (Steven R. McQueen)
Jimmy Borrelli’s exit was one of the more heartbreaking departures. After losing his brother in a fire and later suffering a career-ending injury, Jimmy’s time on the show ended on a somber note. His passion for firefighting and his complicated relationships with leadership gave his arc depth, even if it was cut short. Given the unresolved nature of his exit, bringing Jimmy back — even in a limited capacity — could provide closure, especially for fans who watched his emotional decline unfold in real time. Whether it’s in a new career path or simply visiting his old teammates, Borrelli’s return could add a human layer to an already intense season.
Emily Foster (Annie Ilonzeh)
Emily Foster brought a unique energy to Chicago Fire during her two-season run. A former medical student turned paramedic, Foster formed a strong bond with Sylvie Brett and added a fresh dynamic to Ambulance 61.
She left the firehouse to return to medical school — a decision that was in character and empowering. Still, the absence of any follow-up left viewers wondering what became of her. A brief appearance, perhaps as a now-practicing doctor or visiting paramedic, would be a welcome update to her story.
A Show Built on Legacy
What makes Chicago Fire stand out isn’t just the action — it’s the emotional investment. The relationships between the characters, the weight of their decisions, and the history they carry all make for powerful television. And when former characters return, it doesn’t feel like fan service — it feels like home. With season 13 dealing heavily with grief, leadership challenges, and personal growth, it’s a fitting time to reintroduce familiar faces. Whether it’s Boden providing much-needed leadership or another former firefighter stopping by to offer advice, these moments enrich the show’s legacy and reward its loyal fanbase. As Chicago Fire looks toward its future, honoring its past could be the key to keeping the story grounded. After all, in a firehouse where everyone becomes family, no one ever truly leaves.
