The winds of change are blowing through Firehouse 51 once again. After weeks of fan speculation and a noticeable shift in his screen time, it’s now been confirmed that Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) will not be returning to Chicago Fire if the show is picked up for a fourteenth season. While the series hasn’t yet released an official statement about the nature of his departure, multiple sources have made it clear—Carver’s time in the Windy City is winding down.
For fans who have watched the character grow over the past three seasons, this news is bittersweet. Carver may not have had the longest tenure on the show, but his complex backstory, unpredictable personality, and emotional vulnerabilities made him stand out in a crowded lineup of firefighting heroes. And now that he’s preparing to make his exit, one big question looms large: what does this mean for Firehouse 51—and who will fill the void he leaves behind?
A Firefighter Unlike Any Other
Sam Carver wasn’t your average rookie when he arrived at Firehouse 51 in Season 11. He came in with baggage—deep emotional wounds, an estranged relationship with his former academy classmate Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), and an explosive temper that often got him into trouble. But he also brought something else: raw intensity, honesty, and heart. He was rough around the edges, sure—but he always showed up when it mattered most.
What made Carver so compelling was that he never pretended to be perfect. He had a short fuse, a drinking problem, and trust issues. But he also had integrity, loyalty, and a desire to be better—not just for himself, but for the people around him. Watching Carver grow into his role at Firehouse 51, slowly earning the trust of his team, was one of the more grounded and emotionally rich storylines the show has offered in recent seasons.
An Emotional Ripple Effect Across the House
Carver’s absence will be felt in every corner of Firehouse 51. His connections weren’t just professional—they were personal and, in some cases, painfully unresolved.
Stella Kidd, who first vouched for Carver despite their complicated past, took a major risk by bringing him into the fold. She defended him when others doubted his ability to keep his cool. In some ways, she became a mentor figure—helping him navigate the challenges of the job and his own internal battles. Carver leaving now, especially if it happens suddenly, could leave Kidd questioning whether she misjudged his potential or failed him in some way.
And then there’s Violet Mikami—arguably the most emotionally entangled in Carver’s journey. The two never officially became a couple, but their chemistry and quiet emotional intimacy never went unnoticed. Carver’s unspoken feelings for Violet, which he even confessed during an AA meeting, added layers of emotional weight to his character. For Violet, who is still carrying the trauma of Evan Hawkins’ death, losing Carver—either through physical departure or emotional distance—could reopen wounds she’s barely begun to heal.
A Firehouse in Flux—Who Steps Up Next?
With Carver gone, Firehouse 51 is once again facing a reshuffling of roles. Fans of Chicago Fire are no strangers to cast changes—just this season, we’ve already said goodbye to Blake Gallo and longtime fan favorite Sylvie Brett. But Carver’s departure feels different because his storyline was still unfolding. His issues with addiction, his growing confidence on the job, and his evolving relationships within the firehouse all hinted at a deeper arc that now won’t reach its full conclusion.
So what happens next? A few possibilities:
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A new recruit: The show may introduce a brand-new firefighter—possibly with a personality that contrasts sharply with Carver’s. A rookie eager to prove themselves? A quiet, steady presence? Or maybe someone who brings their own emotional baggage, echoing Carver’s troubled past.
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A familiar face returns: Chicago Fire has a history of surprising fans with the return of former cast members. Could someone like Ritter step back into a more central role? Or is it time for a deeper character from the extended One Chicago universe to cross over?
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No immediate replacement: The writers might choose to keep the firehouse one man down for a while, focusing instead on deepening the arcs of characters like Violet, Kidd, or even Herrmann—who often becomes the emotional center when the firehouse is grieving or in flux.
Saying Goodbye Without Closure?
One of the toughest parts of Sam Carver’s departure is the lack of closure. Based on the current pacing of the season, there’s limited time to give the character a drawn-out exit. That means we might not get an elaborate farewell, a goodbye party, or even a clear-cut resolution. Instead, Carver may simply check into rehab again, accept a transfer, or disappear following an emotional break.
And then, of course, there’s the possibility that no one wants to talk about: Carver dying in the line of duty. While this outcome seems less likely—especially since a recent episode used him as a fake-out for a fire-related death—it’s a card the writers could still play. If they want his exit to be unforgettable, even if heartbreaking, a death could shake Firehouse 51 to its core. However, many fans are hoping for something gentler—a quiet, bittersweet departure that leaves the door open for a future return.
The Future of Firehouse 51
With Carver leaving and more cast changes on the horizon, Chicago Fire is once again proving that no one is safe, and the only constant is change. Yet through every loss, every goodbye, the firehouse endures. It evolves. It finds strength in the people who remain—and in the new bonds forged in the face of adversity.
As we approach the end of Season 13, fans are left wondering not just what’s next, but who’s next. Because in the world of Chicago Fire, the alarms never stop ringing—and the story is far from over.
What do you think?
Who should replace Carver at Firehouse 51? Do you want to see a brand-new recruit—or the return of a familiar face? How should Carver’s story end? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your theories!
