Eamonn Walker is (technically) leaving Chicago Fire after season 12

What an absolute rollercoaster. Chief Wallace Boden took a leave of absence on Chicago Fire, without any specific time frame on when he would return. It came as a surprise to fans, given that Boden has been a steady presence on the show since its inception.

Things seemed to be getting back to normal when the synopsis for the season 12 finale dropped, and Boden was back in the mix. What initially looked like a return to form, however, has been turned into a last hurrah. TV Insider has confirmed that Eamonn Walker, the actor who plays Boden, will be leaving Chicago Fire after season 12 wraps.

Chief Boden may get promoted in S12 finale

The synopsis for the season 12 finale states that Boden will be embroiled in the battle over who becomes the next Deputy Commissioner. This is a storyline that's been teased throughout the season, and now it's looking as though the character will be the one to get the vote.

If Boden gets promoted, he will no longer be able to work out of Firehouse 51. TV Insider claimed that the character will still be involved in Chicago Fire on a recurring basis, so it makes sense that he'd simply be holding down a position elsewhere in the city.

It'll be sad to see Boden leave 51 behind, but there are a few silver linings to be gleaned from this decision. For one, the trial of having Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) step in and fill the chief role during Boden's leave of absence has given Chicago Fire a shot in the arm. It's revitalized the character and proven that the show can continue to thrive without Boden's constant presence.

Eamonn Walker will make cameos in S13

Secondly, fans will get the best of both worlds since Boden will still pop up on the show from time to time. That's more than can be said for the other Chicago Fire stars who have left during season 12, and it takes away the concern of Boden being killed off.

Neither Walker nor the showrunners have issued a statement on the upcoming departure. As it stands, it's another reminder that 51 is constantly changing.