The Chicago Fire Season 12 finale revealed that Wallace Boden

(Eamonn Walker) has decided to quit his longtime position as Deputy District Chief of Firehouse 51.

Read on, below, for details on why Boden made this decision and what’s in store for his career.

Chief Boden left his longtime post after accepting a position as the CFD’s Deputy Commissioner, a.k.a the firefighter at the top of the CFD. Boden wasn’t initially interested in the position, but after learning the department was destined for ruin under a problematic frontrunner, he tossed his hat in the race and swiftly won his colleagues over.

After the Deputy Commissioner position became available, the no-good Paramedic Chief Robinson (Laura Allen) announced her campaign, spending months collecting bids and support. Robinson hated everything Boden stood for and planned to phase out the older generation of firefighters in favor of a new wave of candidates. Even worse: Her competition for the DC position lacked passion and integrity, so Boden couldn’t back them, either. That made Robinson seem like a shoo-in.

But obviously, Boden wasn’t going to allow Robinson to assume control of the CFD that easily. With just days to spare, Boden put his name in the running. As soon as he knew his plan, Boden made the announcement to his 51 friends.

“OK, listen up, people,” Boden announced to the firehouse. “I’ve decided to throw my hat in the ring for Deputy Commissioner.”

There was a beat of silence as 51 processed Boden’s news. If he won, he would no longer work at their firehouse.

“Hey!” Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) said, snapping everyone out of it. “That is awesome, Chief.”

“The CFD couldn’t do any better,” Randall “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte) added.

“You’re the man for the moment, Chief,” Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) commended. “No doubt.”

“Listen. Everyone knows that I try to avoid the politics of the CFD as best I can,” Boden explained. “But it isn’t about me anymore. It’s about the whole department, and with the current state of leadership, I have decided that I can’t just sit by and watch. So I’m headed to HQ to do what I can fast. Promote myself through the rounds. I hear I have a day or two at best.”

Boden chose a seasoned 51 family member as his replacement

As the station processed the looming possibility of losing their commander, Boden began considering his replacement. The station had already undergone so much change, so his replacement needed to be a longtime 51 family member.

Boden also needed someone reliable and passionate and empathetic. Upon his return from his recent furlough, Boden learned Herrmann stepped up as the firehouse’s counselor. Herrmann always stays positive and is the first person to support his friends in need. Boden was 51’s longtime anchor, but Herrmann has been the glue that’s held the station (and neighborhood bar Molly’s) together for over a decade.

As Boden began his expedited campaign for the DC position, he called Herrmann into his office. Boden said that if he got the DC position, he wanted Herrmann to replace him. Herrmann couldn’t believe his Chief’s words, saying he was “no Boden.”

“You don’t have to be me,” Boden said. “You just have to be you. The Christopher Herrmann who looks out for people, who listens. Who always leads with his heart.”

“Whatever happens, boss,” Herrmann replied tearfully. “You’ll never know how much that means to me.”