5 Chicago Fire characters who have been introduced in season 12

Chicago Fire is the longest-running show in the One Chicago franchise, and it's going through a bit of a transitional phase. Characters who held down firefighting and medic spots for years are gone, and newcomers are being brought in to take their place. At least, for a little while.

Season 12 has seen the arrival and departure of several characters who seem poised to play big roles in the show's future. It's an interesting trend, and one that seems as though it will continue with the news that Fire will be coming back for another season in 2025.

With this revolving door mentality in mind, here are the characters we've been introduced to in season 12 (and only season 12):

Derrick Gibson

Derrick Gibson (Rome Flynn) was the replacement for Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende), and he could not have been more different than his predecessor. Gallo was upbeat and open with his feelings, whereas Gibson was closed-off and reluctant to share anything about himself.

He eventually opened up to Sam Carver (Jake Lockett), but the strain of his past proved too much for him to handle, and he asked Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), the person who hired him, to let him go. It was a sad fate for a character who was only around for six episodes, which is exactly how the actor who played him felt.

Related: Rome Flynn finally opens up about his sudden Fire departure

Chief Robinson

Chief Robinson (Laura Allen) was a clear antagonist for Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker) and the rest of Firehouse 51. She wanted to move up the ladder in terms of political power, and felt that she could do so by sabotaging what Boden and his favorite team were doing.

It proved to be a bad decision, as Boden reported her and ensured that she wouldn't be considered for the position of Deputy Commissioner. We didn't think Chief Robinson would be around for years to come, but we'll admit we were surprised that she was taken out of action so quickly.

Jared Lennox

Jared Lennox (Wesam Keesh) was an extension of Chief Robinson's plan. He was the medic she picked to work under Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith), and his orders were to be as difficult as humanly possible. He did a fine job. Lennox undermined Violet's authority at nearly every turn, and even reported her for not doing things "by the book."

Fortunately, Lennox's cowardice proved his undoing, and he was forced to eat crow when he was scared to ride in the back of an ambulance with an intimidating patient. Lennox got the boot along with Robinson, and we were happy to see him go.

Related: Why Chicago Fire's new medic was fired (and why we're relieved)

Lyla Novak

Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) stepped into the vacancy left by Jared Lennox, and it's obvious that she is an improvement. She's good at her job and she doesn't have any ulterior motives/desires to see her boss, Violet, fail. That being said, she did get pretty flirtatious with Carver during her first day on the job, which Violet did not appreciate.

Deadline reported that Hudon's character will start off as recurring, with the potential to be upped to series regular after a few episodes. This means the fan reception to the character will determine if she sticks around or is another fly-by-night medic. We're curious to see where it goes.

Jack Damon

Technically, Jack Damon has not been introduced yet, but Deadline confirmed that he will be making his Chicago Fire debut in season 12. The character, played by Michael Bradway, is slated to show up around season 10, and there are rumors that he will be a series regular by the time Fire returns for its 13th season.

Very little has been revealed about Damon, but we do know there's an opening for a mainstay firefighter after Gallo's departure and the unceremonious exit of Gibson. We're excited by the possibilities!