Chicago Fire has said lots of goodbyes in season 12. We had to watch as Blake Gallo

(Alberto Rosende) and Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) and Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) rode

off into the sunset. Casey had already “technically” left the show, but you know what

we mean. It’s been a year of huge change, and it’s not over yet. The promo for the season 12 finale, “Never Say Goodbye,” confirms that Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) is leaving Firehouse 51. He isn’t leaving the show, completely, as he will stay on in a recurring capacity, but the days of seeing the character every week are going to be over. He will have to appoint a new chief, and well, the answer is staring him right in the face. Kelly Severide has filled in for Boden during his haitus Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) is the most obvious choice for chief in the show’s history. He’s the ideal candidate, from both a temperament and experience standpoint. The character has been on a bit of a sojourn as of late, missing time to pursue his passion for arson investigation.

The writers have made a point of lessening this passion in recent weeks, however. The character seems to be back to his old self, fighting fires, flirting with wife, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), and saving the day using his wits and his killer instincts. It’s unclear whether this was a decision made in the wake of Eamonn Walker leaving Chicago Fire, or if it was made in an effort to give Severide more screen time. Either way, it’s dovetailing nicely with Boden’s final days. Severide seems like the obvious replacement choice Severide has proven, over the last few episodes, that he has what it takes to be chief. He took over the role in an interim capacity while Boden was on leave, and he’s done an excellent job. Well, for the most part.

He did technically blow up Truck 81, but given the context in which he blew it up (criminals tried to use the truck to transport explosives), we won’t hold it against him. A promotion would also allow Severide to step further into the elder statesman role that he’s been primed for over the last few years. He’s a married man, he’s got grey in his hair. He’s becoming more of a mentor to the younger generation, so what better way for the show to acknowledge that than to make him the new chief? We’ll find out whether we’re right for sure when the Chicago Fire season finale airs on May 22.