As Chicago Fire gears up for its landmark 14th season, the emotional weight of the show continues to be shaped not only by the adrenaline-fueled rescue scenes and dramatic romances, but by the evolution—and often, the departure—of its beloved characters. Over the years, a rotating roster of firefighters and paramedics have come and gone, each leaving a unique legacy at Firehouse 51. As fans prepare to welcome a new wave of recruits, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the actors who shaped the series and what they’ve pursued since hanging up their helmets.
Jesse Spencer, the heart of the series as Matthew Casey, led the show for ten seasons before relocating to care for a fallen friend’s sons. Though he returned briefly in seasons 10 and 11, Spencer has since shifted gears, starring in Disney+’s Last Days of the Space Age and welcoming his first child with wife Kali Woodruff Carr. His on-screen bride, Kara Killmer (Sylvie Brett), exited in season 12 after a long-running arc, culminating in Brett’s wedding to Casey—a romantic payoff fans had long awaited. Killmer has expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to complete Brett’s journey on her own terms.
Other early cast departures still tug at the heartstrings. Lauren German’s tragic end as paramedic Leslie Shay in season 3 stunned viewers. Her shocking death set a precedent for high emotional stakes in the series. German went on to find success starring in Lucifer for six seasons. Monica Raymund’s Gabriela Dawson left a void when she chose humanitarian work in Puerto Rico in season 6, although she returned for a brief reunion in season 8. Raymund has since headlined Hightown, earning critical praise as both actor and director.
Charlie Barnett (Peter Mills) and Yuri Sardarov (Otis Zvonecek) also carved their places in Chicago Fire history. Barnett left in season 3 to pursue family dreams and later starred in Russian Doll and The Acolyte. Sardarov’s Otis was one of the show’s most heartbreaking losses, killed in a season 8 explosion. His poetic farewell to the character on social media still resonates with fans. Since then, he’s guest-starred in The Rookie and FBI: International.
Recent departures include Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter), Jake Lockett (Sam Carver), and Michael Bradway (Jack Damon), all of whom left following season 13. Kyri is now pursuing music, recently releasing his EP Childish Games. Lockett has hinted at a bittersweet farewell, while Bradway is set to lead the upcoming Amazon adaptation of Every Summer After.
With each exit, Chicago Fire reinvents itself—keeping its flames of brotherhood, loss, and hope burning bright. As season 14 approaches, one can’t help but wonder: which new hero will rise next from the ashes?
