Walker, who has been a series regular since the show’s inception in 2012,

may still appear in future episodes Eamonn Walker will be scaling back his

series regular role as Wallace Boden after 12 seasons on Chicago Fire. The

original cast member, 61, has chosen to step back from his duties as Deputy District Chief of District 4, Deadline reported on May 7. Though the casting development is sure to disappoint dedicated fans of the firefighting procedural, Walker is expected to reprise his role in a recurring capacity in seasons to come. Chicago Fire viewers will learn more about the circumstances behind Boden’s exit in the season 12 finale episode, titled “Never Say Goodbye”, set to air on May 22. PEOPLE has reached out to reps for NBC. Though Walker is the latest actor to exit the series, he isn’t the first to say goodbye in season 12.

Kara Killmer, who took on the role of Sylvie Brett, took her final bow in an episode that aired in February when her character married Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) and joined him in his move to Oregon. Spencer previously departed the NBC series in October 2021 after 200 episodes. At the time, he opened up about his bittersweet choice to leave the series and his plans for the future in a round table interview. “This was a difficult decision because I have loved the show from the start but there are other things that I would like to do in the future, and there’s some family that I need to take care of and 18 years is a long time,” he said. “I was marking off these milestones and looking to the future … and it was time.”

He added, “It felt so organic for me and a perfect full circle and a really reasonable way for Casey to organically leave.” Alberto Rosende, who plays Blake Gallo, also announced he would be leaving the series in December 2023. His final appearance on the show took place during the season 12 premiere. “When I decided to end my time with Chicago, it wasn’t easy,” he wrote on his Instagram Stories, per Deadline. “The people I’ve met were truly special, the friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime, and the story I got to tell was one that made me proud.” He added, “Can’t wait to see what else is in store and I wish everyone the best in shooting the rest of the season.”