Who is Andy Darden on Chicago Fire?

Chicago Fire is quick to remind viewers that the people who make up Firehouse 51 are constantly in harm’s way. All it takes it one mistake, one unfortunate judgment call, and they can be taken out for good. It’s one of the show’s strongest elements, and nowhere was this more evident than with Andy Darden (Corey Sorenson).

Darden seemed poised to be a central character in the show’s pilot. He was close with Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Casey (Jesse Spencer), and he had the sort of gung-ho attitude that make him seem like an obvious hero type. Unfortunately, Darden’s tenure was not meant to last.

The firehouse responds to a house fire in the opening minutes of the episode, and Darden breaks a window before the house is properly vented. This premature call leads to him getting caught in the flame and dying. In essence, he was gone before fans ever got to know him.

Andy Darden on Chicago Fire

Darden’s tenure may have been brief, but he did leave a big impression on the events of the show. Severide and Casey were devastated by Darden’s passing, and his absence led to a lengthy power struggle in the Firehouse. It took multiple seasons for Severide and Casey to get past their shared animosity, as both men felt they were the natural successor to Darden’s leadership.

Darden’s passing also led to complicated personal storylines for Casey. The upstanding firefighter got particularly close to Darden’s widow, Heather (Chaon Cross), and became a surrogate dad for Darden’s sons, Griffin and Tim. When Heather was forced to serve jail time for a DUI in season 2, it was Casey who became the kids’ guardian.

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The impact of Darden may have dampened after the first couple seasons (he made a cameo in a season 3 flashback), but recent developments suggest that the character is going to be more relevant than ever. In the season 10 episode “Head Count”, Casey was paid a visit by an adult Griffin, who said that he was in desperate need of help.

It’s unclear what kind of trouble Griffin has gotten into, but it’s sure to add interesting wrinkles to Casey’s life and Darden’s legacy overall.

For the latest Chicago Fire season 10 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.