Throughout Chicago Fire‘s 13 seasons, the cast has changed numerous times, with many characters coming to and leaving Firehouse 51, but

some have stuck out from the rest. The NBC procedural drama TV series, created by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas, follows the lives of

the first responders (including firefighters and paramedics) at Firehouse 51 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago Fire launched a franchise with the

 

 

One Chicago universe’s TV shows — Chicago PD, Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice — and the original series’ intriguing and complex characters are partly responsible for its (and the franchise’s) success.

 

 

The original cast of Chicago Fire featured familiar faces such as Eamonn Walker as Chief Boden, Jesse Spencer as Matt Casey, Monica Raymund as Gabby Dawson, David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, and more. Now, the cast looks much different as various

 

characters (some better than others) have been added over the years. While not every character in Chicago Fire has been well-received throughout the NBC procedural drama’s 13 seasons and 252 episodes, the good characters always outrank the bad. In fact, 10 prominent Chicago Fire figures are unforgettable and have made their mark not only on the show but also on TV.

 

 

Although Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter is a rather new Chicago Fire character, he’s undoubtedly one of the best additions to the show in recent years. Kyri joined the cast as a recurring member in season 7 before being promoted to series regular in season 9. His character, Ritter, is a firefighter assigned to Engine Company 51. Ritter was previously with Engine 37 but was fired after he froze on the job. Randall “Mouch” McHolland and Christopher Herrmann gave Ritter a second chance, though, and he’s proven himself to be a worthy firefighter who brings a youthful presence to Firehouse 51.

Of course, Kidd’s standing as a phenomenal firefighter makes her one of Chicago Fire‘s best characters. However, her personality outside of work is also endearing. Kidd is very headstrong (in a good way), consistently gives back to her community, and is fiercely protective of her loved ones. For all these reasons, Kidd will always be one of the most beloved characters in the original One Chicago TV show.

Joe Cruz has been a steady and reliable presence at Firehouse 51, and he is one of the few remaining original characters left heading into Chicago Fire season 13 (for good reason). Joe Minoso’s Cruz had a rough upbringing that sadly followed him into adulthood. However, Cruz has built a good life for himself and worked very hard to get to where he is today in the world of Chicago Fire​​​​​​.