Forget about that fateful conversation between Boden (portrayed by Eamonn Walker) and Herrmann (played by David Eigenberg) in the thrilling Season 12 finale of Chicago Fire. Rumors are swirling that Herrmann might not be stepping into Boden's shoes as the next battalion chief after all. Sources privy to the NBC production have revealed to Deadline that a fresh face named Dom Pascal (his moniker for the meantime) is poised to take the helm as the new battalion chief of Firehouse 51.
According to the scoop, Pascal is a seasoned firefighter who embarked on his career with the Chicago Fire Department but spent the past decade helming a fire station in sunny Miami. His personal life is a bit rocky, as he and his wife are currently estranged. Despite this, Pascal is described as a cheerful soul who thrives under pressure and possesses a leadership style that contrasts sharply with Boden's.
The hunt for the perfect actor to breathe life into this pivotal role, a series regular on the popular firefighting drama, is currently ongoing, Deadline reports.
The Season 12 finale certainly painted a picture of Herrmann inheriting the battalion chief mantle from Boden. As Boden, seen in the photograph above, mulled over a deputy commissioner position that he ultimately accepted, he told Herrmann, pictured below, "I want you sitting in this chair as my replacement." He added, "There are a few hoops to jump through. You need to get that captain promotion and ace the Battalion Chief Test. But if you do, you'll be the one to shepherd our family."
It's unclear why Herrmann is being bypassed for the prestigious position, according to Deadline, but perhaps Season 13 will reveal that he fell short on the test.
Walker, a fixture on the show since its inception, transitioned to a recurring role at the end of Season 12. In a heartwarming behind-the-scenes video posted by production company Wolf Entertainment on Instagram in May, the cast and crew gave Walker a standing ovation as he wrapped up his final scene. In response, Walker emotionally declared, "I just want to say: This is the best cast, the best crew, the best production, the best job of my life. Thank you."
