Boden is leaving but THIS Chicago Fire character is sticking around

Turnover has been the trend of Chicago Fire season 12. We've seen an all-time high in terms of cast members coming and going. We've seen actors who have been around for a decade call it a day, and those who were present for only a handful of episodes decide to exit. Eamonn Walker is the latest example of this trend.

The veteran actor will be stepping down from his role as Wallace Boden at the end of the season. He will still be part of the show in a recurring capacity, but the days of him being a constant presence in Firehouse 51 is coming to an end. Fortunately, 51 managed to ensure that another one of their crew members is sticking around.

Lyla Novak has joined 51 full-time

The crew member in question is Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon). She was introduced in the season 12 episode "Something About Her," and quickly made a splash thanks to her quick-thinking medical skills and her empathy in the field. She was a departure from her predecessor, Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer), in personality, but she won the confidence of Violet (Hanako Greensmith) instantly.

Novak was brought on in a limited capacity at first, but she was embraced by 51 and offered a full-time position at the end of "The Wrong Guy." Surprisingly, the character was hesitant to commit. She said she wasn't sure what she wanted, and Violet tried to coerce her into staying. She complimented Novak's natural ability and urged her to consider the offer.

Jocelyn Hudon will be a main cast member in S13

The episode ended with Novak being undecided, but the latest episode, "Inside Man," gave fans a conclusive answer. Violet and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) open the episode with some small talk, and they reflect on how relieved they are that Novak decided to stay.

This is something that the show teased from the moment it case Joceyln Hudon. Deadline stated that the actress would initially be brought on in a recurring role, with the possibility of being moved up to a main cast member in season 13. It's a trajectory similar to what her character has gone through. And we're glad to have her!