Firehouse 51 is losing one of its own on a regular basis. Original cast

member Eamonn Walker is leaving Chicago Fire after 12 seasons. Read on to learn everything

to know about his exit, including what Boden’s future will be like on the procedural.

Walker has portrayed Wallace Boden, the beloved fire chief, since Chicago Fire premiered in 2012. Boden started as Battalion Chief of Battalion 25 before being promoted to Deputy District Chief in Season 10. Now, he’s competing for the role of Deputy Fire Commissioner with Chief Robinson (Laura Allen). Boden also appeared on the Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med spinoffs.

On May 7, Deadline reported that the 61-year-old British actor was stepping away from the long-running firefighter drama. A source told the site that Boden’s character “is still very much alive and well” and Walker “is expected to return to the show in a recurring capacity in the future.”

In Season 12, Episode 9 (“Something About Her”), Boden took a leave of absence from Firehouse 51 to support his stepson, James, who was trying to sort out the mess following his mother’s imprisonment. At the time, it was was unknown how long Boden’s hiatus would last — and now it might have something to do with Walker’s future exit.

Walker last episode will be in the Season 12 finale, “Never Say Goodbye,” airing on May 22, 2024. In the final episode, “Boden makes a decision that impacts the race for Deputy Commissioner. A tense call brings up painful memories for Carver [Jake Lockett] and Damon [Michael Bradway]. Mouch [Christian Stolte] struggles to adjust to the new Truck.”