It was a deeply emotional moment for Chicago Fire fans to watch Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) take off his wedding ring in Season

14, Episode 3 (“In the Blood”), marking a new chapter for the character following the tragic death of his late wife, Monica (Kadee Stickland).

 

 

Pascal’s loss, which shook viewers in Season 13 of Chicago Fire, was one of the show’s most heartbreaking storylines. While grief consumed him, the incident ultimately brought him closer to his family at Firehouse 51. Pascal isn’t one to lead with his emotions, so he’s been focusing on work in the months following his wife’s passing.

 

 

But it hasn’t been easy to stay distracted, especially as Pascal navigates life as a newly single man. Pascal taking off his wedding ring was a quiet and powerful gesture, but it had unexpected consequences.

Monica was rushed to Chicago Med as Pascal received a call from the restaurant. He jumped to answer the phone, thinking it was his wife on the way. But it was Mouch, calling to tell him to get to Med immediately. Pascal fled to the hospital, where he was devastated to discover Monica hadn’t made it. Pascal was in disbelief, running to Monica’s bedside to see it for himself.

 

 

The loss of Pascal’s wife rocked the entire firehouse. As the Chief returned to his post almost instantly, his co-workers sensed he was struggling. Pascal was tasked with figuring out funeral accommodations with Monica’s loved ones, deciding on a family-only service.

After Pascal struggled to enter the funeral home, he was touched to find that Firehouse 51’s entire fleet had arrived to pay their respects to Monica. Sure, it was “family-only,” but Pascal had become a member of Firehouse 51’s chosen family, and they weren’t going to let Pascal weather the storm alone.

Potential new romance came to Pascal after he crossed paths with Annette Davis (Annabeth Gish), the Chicago mayor’s chief of staff. However, after Davis asked Pascal out for a drink, Pascal struggled to navigate the unfamiliar terrain, telling Davis he was married before correcting himself and admitting he was married.

Pascal admitted he wasn’t “in a place” to date anyone. After Pascal fled Davis’ office, he stared down at his ring-less hand in panic, thinking of Monica as he grappled with his new reality.