The Chicago Fire Season 12 finale revealed thatWallace Boden(Eamonn Walker) has decided to quit his longtime position asDeputy District Chief of Firehouse 51.
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Readon,below,for details on why Boden made this decision and what's in store for his career.
Why did Boden leave Firehouse 51 on Chicago Fire?
Chief Boden left his longtime post after accepting a position as theCFD'sDeputy Commissioner, a.k.a the firefighter at the top of the CFD. Bodenwasn'tinitially interested in the position, but afterlearning 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 Bodencouldn'tback them, either. That made Robinson seem like a shoo-in.
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Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) appears in Chicago Fire Season 12 Episode 8. Photo: Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC
But obviously, Bodenwasn'tgoing toallow 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'vedecided to throw my hat in the ring forDeputy Commissioner."
There was a beat of silence as 51 processed Boden'snews. 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 CFDcouldn’tdo any better,”Randall"Mouch"McHolland(Christian Stolte) added.
"You’rethe man for the moment, Chief,"StellaKidd(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 itisn'tabout me anymore.It'sabout the whole department, and with the current state of leadership, I have decided that Ican'tjust sit by and watch. SoI'mheaded 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 hisreplacement
Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) appears in Chicago Fire Season 12 Episode 11. Photo: Adrian Burrows/NBC
Asthe 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 hisreturn from his recentfurlough, Boden learned Herrmann stepped up as thefirehouse'scounselor. Herrmann always stays positive and is the first person to support his friends in need. Boden was51'slongtime anchor, but Herrmann has been the gluethat'sheld the station (and neighborhood barMolly's) together for over a decade.
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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.Herrmanncouldn'tbelieve hisChief'swords, saying he was"no Boden."
"Youdon'thave 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'llnever know how much that means to me."
Boden won the Deputy Commissionerjob
Eamonn Walker appears as Wallace Boden at the wedding of Sylvie Brett and Matthew Casey on "Chicago Fire"
When Boden got a call from HQ,he nervously arrived and bumped into a dejected Robinson before crossing paths with former CFD Deputy Commissioner, Gloria Hill (J. Nicole Brooks). It wasHill'srecent move to Oakland that prompted this election. Hill was excited to see Boden, teasing that he likely had no idea Stella had contacted her in Oakland to give Boden a dazzling recommendation.
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“The kind of loyalty you inspire in your firefighters is something you should be very proud of, so I put aside my duties and made the trip here today,"Hill explained."Lieutenant Kidd told me you walked her down the aisle, andyouofficiated at thewedding of twomembers of your house.It'sso symbolic, it'salmost silly, Wallace. You bring people together. At a timewhereall of us, including the CFD, need it most."
"Why have youbeen ignoringmy good advice after all these years?"Hill continued."You should be running this place."
"Thank you for your kind words,"Boden said.
"They'renot just words,"Hill clarified."Congratulations, Deputy Commissioner Boden."
Firehouse51'stearjerking goodbye to Chief Boden
Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) on Chicago Fire Season 10 Episode 1, "Mayday". Photo: Adrian S. Burrows Sr./NBC
Boden's goodbye to his 51 colleagues was emotional.
"You,"Stella told him."You'veraised and trained and inspired a group of firefighters who know the meaning of bravery and sacrifice."
"Andbeingforgiven whenwe'reidiots, so we learn from it,"Herrmann quipped."Well, some of us—"
"Now, you get to do that for the whole CFD, andthey'llsee how lucky we were,"Kelly Severide(Taylor Kinney) added.
“You made 51 a family, Chief,"Cruz(Joe Miñoso) commended."And this firehouse a home."
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