Chicago Fire season 12 finale promo teases Boden's final episode

The Chicago Fire finale is going to bring the end of an era as the show prepares to bid farewell to yet another original cast member with the exit of Eamonn Walker. 

Walker’s departure from the show comes with little notice as it was only a few weeks prior to the finale that word broke that the long-time member of the cast would be leaving the show. Deadline was the first to break the news that Walker would be stepping back from the show after 12 seasons as a series regular in the role of Chief Wallace Boden. 

The good news is that Boden might still return in season 13, just in a smaller role, but the season 12 finale will serve as Walker’s final episode as a series regular on the show. The details surrounding his exit remain unclear, but if the promo for the season finale is any indication we should be in for an emotional final episode next Wednesday night! 

51 says goodbye to Boden in the Chicago Fire season 12 finale promo

NBC officially confirmed Eamonn Walker’s upcoming exit from Chicago Fire in the promo for the season 12 finale, which sees 51 bidding their longtime chief an emotional and tear-filled goodbye. 

“You made 51 a family Chief and this firehouse a home,” Cruz tells Boden as the entire 51 team crowd around their long-time Chief. Kidd then chimed in telling Boden, “You’ve inspired a group of firefighters who know the meaning of bravery.” 

While the promo sets up Boden’s exit, little context regarding his exit is provided though we have a feeling we might know how the show will write Boden off. 

The season 12 finale synopsis teases that Boden will make a decision that impacts the race for Deputy Commissioner and we can’t help but wonder whether that decision is to officially go out for the position. Boden has avoided past positions in the past as he wasn’t a fan of department politics, but knowing the trouble Paramedic Chief Jude Robinson has caused 51 and the fact that she’s gunning for the position could give Boden the push he needs to go out for the position. 

Boden becoming the new Deputy Commissioner would allow the show to accommodate Walker’s exit, while also paving the way for him to return to the show in a recurring role as Deadline has hinted might happen. If he takes this new position, he wouldn’t be working out of 51 as he’d be taking on a larger role in the CFD which would require him to work out of headquarters. This would mean he would no longer be responding to calls alongside 51 or working out of the firehouse, and honestly, it would be the most natural progression for the character. 

We’ll know for certain how the show writes Boden off next week, but we’d be shocked if his exit comes any other way than him becoming the new Deputy Commissioner.