<em>Chicago Fire</em> is expanding its cast of characters with a familiar face from Bosch: Legacy. Some of the major shows in NBC’s 2025-2026 TV lineup are currently already on their winter hiatuses. That said, production for the shows still continues well into December, including One Chicago’s inaugural show. Because of that, interesting updates from the set of the procedural offer fans an idea of what’s coming to Dom Pascal’s team.
For context, Chicago Fire season 14 opened with some major changes in personnel, as Sam Carver and Daniel Ritter transferred out of the Windy City. The mysterious Sal Vasquez, on the other hand, came in to join the roster. Jury is still out how his personal storyline shakes out, but his narrative has been focused on by the procedural throughout its run thus far. By the One Chicago franchise’s latest fall finale, Firehouse 51 was once again looking at another major change, as budget cuts threatened Mouch’s full Engine 51 team.
A brand new set image from Chicago Fire season 14 courtesy of Dermot Mulroney (via One Chicago Center) reveals the first look at Max Martini playing a Deputy District Chief. The actor is wearing the standard Chicago Fire Department-issued uniform, which effectively confirms his role, although his character’s name remains unknown. Known for his roles in Level 9, The Great Raid, and The Unit. His most recent major role was in the Bosch spin-off series on Amazon Freevee, Bosch: Legacy as Detective Don Ellis.
Previously, Chief Boden was also the Deputy District Chief in charge of Firehouse 51. However, it’s safe to say that his promotion to Deputy Fire Commissioner forced him to give up that role. Because of how much has happened in One Chicago in the last several years, it’s something that has never been tackled until now. With barely any information about Martini’s character, it’s difficult to say how he’ll impact the current predicament of Firehouse 51.
As someone who has a higher position than Pascal, he has the ability to make or break Firehouse 51’s precarious situation in Chicago Fire season 14. Mouch’s team is on the cusp of being decommissioned due to budget cuts — something that is beyond anyone’s control in the firehouse. That said, having a Deputy District Chief on their side can help them argue their case to keep Mouch’s squad.
On the flip side, however, if Martini ends up being a foe to Firehouse 51, he can make their struggle worse. For now, fans will have to wait some more as Chicago Fire season 14 continues its winter hiatus. After the holidays, it will be back on its usual timeslot during the first week of January.
