4 Chicago Fire Characters Who Could Be Leaving the Show in “Post Mortem”
Chicago Fire is no stranger to high-stakes drama, but Season 13’s upcoming episode, “Post Mortem,” is shaping up to be a game-changer. The buzz surrounding the episode—from cast interviews to cryptic producer teases—has created the kind of tension usually reserved for season finales.
According to cast member Eamonn Walker (Wallace Boden), fans should brace themselves for a devastating twist. A beloved firefighter will be caught in the aftermath of a collapsed building, and their fate may be sealed before the episode ends. But it’s not just death that looms large over Firehouse 51—there could be a firing in the mix, too.
With Boden returning to investigate what went wrong at the scene, at least two major characters could exit Chicago Fire—one by injury or death, the other possibly by termination. Based on the events of Season 13 so far and recent promo images, these are the four characters most likely at risk.
1. Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg)
Christopher Herrmann has long been the heart of Firehouse 51. He’s the tough-but-tender veteran who always puts the job—and his team—first. In many ways, he felt like the natural choice to succeed Boden as Chief. But the recent shift in storyline suggests things might not be so simple.
Herrmann has already been showing signs of physical wear. He suffered hearing damage back in the Season 12 premiere, and his age has been subtly emphasized more this season. Promo images from “Post Mortem” show him in a dangerous fire situation, isolated in what looks like an unstable structure. The combination of physical vulnerability and thematic setup could spell trouble.
What makes this possibility especially gut-wrenching is that Herrmann fits the “fan favorite” label Walker used to describe the endangered firefighter. While his loss would be a devastating blow to both the characters and the audience, it would certainly make for an unforgettable episode.
2. Tony Ferraris (Anthony Ferraris)
Tony is a quiet staple of Chicago Fire. He may not get as much screen time or dialogue as the core cast, but his presence is felt, and his bravery is unquestionable. Season 13 has kept him consistently involved, which could mean he’s being positioned for a major storyline—or a heartbreaking sendoff.
Given the show’s history, Chicago Fire sometimes delivers shocking deaths by choosing characters who are beloved but not essential to long-term story arcs. Tony fits that bill. He’s respected, trusted, and a fan favorite in his own right, but his exit wouldn’t derail the overall plot direction. If a sacrifice needs to be made to underscore the danger of firefighting, Tony could, sadly, be it.
3. Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney)
If someone’s walking away from Firehouse 51 under disciplinary circumstances, the most obvious candidate is Chief Dom Pascal. Since stepping in as Boden’s temporary replacement, Pascal has struggled. His erratic leadership and increasingly volatile behavior—made worse by the grief over his wife’s recent death—have raised red flags all season long.
“Post Mortem” appears to place him directly under scrutiny, with Boden returning to assess the incident. If Pascal is found responsible for any part of the tragedy, especially if his judgment is linked to the injury or death of a firefighter, his days as Chief could be numbered.
Pascal has served a strong narrative purpose, but he was never intended to be a long-term leader. With his story arc nearing a logical breaking point, it seems likely that “Post Mortem” could mark his final shift.
4. Sam Carver (Jake Lockett)
Sam Carver has been one of the most intriguing and emotionally complex characters in recent Chicago Fire seasons. He’s strong, dependable, and quietly becoming the kind of character who could carry the show into the next era—possibly even filling the void left by Kelly Severide’s frequent absences.
But Carver’s journey in Season 13 has been anything but smooth. He’s been riddled with setbacks—both physical and emotional—and has struggled to find steady footing amid personal trauma and professional stress. Series showrunner Andrea Newman hinted that Carver’s return from recent leave would come with a “surprise,” and if we’re reading between the lines, that surprise could be a brush with death.
It’s possible Carver could survive but face serious injury, putting his future at 51 into question. Either way, the character is poised for a major shift—and “Post Mortem” might be the episode that delivers it.
Final Thoughts
“Post Mortem” is promising to be Chicago Fire‘s most intense episode of Season 13. Whether it’s a heartbreaking death, a shocking firing, or a life-altering injury, the fallout will likely be felt for the rest of the season—and beyond. With stakes this high, no one at Firehouse 51 is truly safe.
Stay tuned. The fire is just getting started.
