Eamonn Walker pays tribute to Chicago Fire after his final scene

Yes, Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker) is now Deputy Commissioner Boden. Yes, the character will be leaving Firehouse 51 for good. No, he will not be off the show entirely. We have the great fortune of knowing that Boden will continue to be on Chicago Fire in a reduced capacity in season 13, which made it easier to get through the season 12 finale.

Easier doesn't mean easy, though. The final scene between Boden and the rest of the firehouse was emotionally gutting, as we know we won't get to see them all together in the same capacity again. Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) hit the nail on the head when he said that Boden turned 51 into a "family."

Eamonn Walker thanked Chicago Fire's cast and crew

Well, the emotions were running just as strong behind the scenes. Wolf Entertainment posted a video of Eamonn Walker wrapping his final scene on Instagram, and it will hit you in the feels. The actor gets a round of applause from the cast and crew, then launches into a heartfelt statement on how much the show has meant to him:

"I just want to say: Best cast. Best crew. Best production. Best job of my life. Thank you."

Walker wasn't the only one who was feeling reflective after the season 12 finale aired. Dick Wolf, the man behind the One Chicago franchise, issued a statement praising the actor for his decade plus of service. He also revealed that Walker was the first person cast for Chicago Fire.

Fire creator and showrunner praised the actor's kindness

"We knew once he said yes, that we were off and running," Wolf explained. "His character, Chief Wallace Boden, was the undisputed leader of Firehouse 51 and, off-screen, Eamonn has filled the same role with our ensemble cast."

Andrea Newman, the Chicago Fire showrunner, also spoke highly of Walker and the authority he brought to the role of 51 chief. "Eamonn is the most big-hearted, passionate, hard-working and dedicated actor (and human) I know," she explained to Deadline. "He is like a father to every cast member and crew member of this team. He is loved like no other."

We can't wait to see Boden return for season 13 cameos, but as it stands, we're glad Chicago Fire stuck the landing with his technical exit.