Change is coming once again at Firehouse 51, but this change seems to be the catalyst for a storyline Chicago Fire fans have been waiting years for!
In Chicago Fire season 14, episode 14, we learned that the CFD brass decided to make an example of Chief Pascal after he disobeyed orders from the FBI, leading to his arrest in the One Chicago crossover. While the charges against Pascal were seemingly dropped, his actions led to the end of his time at the CFD, with Pascal being fired for conduct unbecoming.
Over the course of episode 14, we watched as Pascal finished up his final shift with the CFD and imparted final words of encouragement to the leaders of the firehouse on his way out the door.
Before leaving Firehouse 51, Pascal dropped by Severide’s office and let him know he had left him something behind in his office. After the conversation, Severide went to see Lucy, who informed him that Pascal hadn’t left behind something in the office; he’d left him the office. As Severide entered the office, he found a binder labeled fire department promotional examination "Captain Test Study Guide" on the desk waiting for him.
The moment is one that Chicago Fire has quietly been building to all season long, leading to a moment fans have been hoping to see for years finally coming to fruition.
Chicago Fire is finally setting Severide up to become a captain
Now, there is a journey ahead for him, as one doesn’t just become captain; however, the fact that the show is finally setting Severide up to go on this journey is so exciting.
For 14 seasons on Chicago Fire, Severide has proved himself on the front lines and in the eyes of his team, guiding those under his leadership and pushing them to be the best they can be. After years of proving himself, Severide is finally on the cusp of a promotion, and the timing could not be better.
Season 14 has seen Severide taking on an even bigger leadership role, with Severide serving as an officer in command on several occasions when Pascal was pulled away. This has been foreshadowing a rise through the ranks for Severide, but the ending of episode 14 made it a reality. The ball is really in Severide’s court now, as all that’s left for him to do is take the leap and take the captain’s exam.
Given how long Severide has been a lieutenant in the CFD, him finding and pursuing the captain position is perfect timing, and 51 could certainly use some stability in its leadership. While the show has historically had a chief operating out of 51, many firehouses do not have a dedicated chief physically present at all times in the firehouse. Typically, it’s a captain who leads a firehouse with a battalion chief then overseeing multiple fire stations within the district.
ABC’s Station 19 is a perfect example of this approach. The Grey’s Anatomy spinoff centered around Seattle’s Station 19, which was run by a captain in command at the firehouse as the senior leader, with chiefs popping up in more supporting roles tied into ongoing storylines. It would make sense for Chicago Fire to adapt this approach, especially amid the CFD budget cut storylines where chiefs are overseeing multiple firehouses and not actively overseeing the day-to-day operations of the firehouse.
If Pascal’s time has truly come to an end, there is no one we’d rather see leading Firehouse 51 than Severide. He knows the firehouse dynamics, is always looking out for his teammates, and has shown time and time again he’s a just leader who isn’t afraid to come down hard on his reports when they need some tough love.
It'll be interesting to see how this storyline progresses. With the finale fast approaching, we imagine the upcoming episodes will see Severide coming to terms with the idea of becoming captain and taking the test, and wouldn't be surprised if we have to wait until the finale to find out if he passes the exam and is able to rise to the rank of captain.