The heartbeat of Firehouse 51 is coming home. In a stunning announcement that has reignited the One Chicago fandom, Eamonn Walker

is officially returning to Chicago Fire, reprising his legendary role as Wallace Boden. Nearly a year after his tearful Season 12 farewell, the

steadfast Chief is stepping back into the fire — this time as Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department.

 

 

For over a decade, Wallace Boden stood as the moral center of Chicago Fire. Through leadership, compassion, and unflinching courage, he became more than just the boss of Firehouse 51 — he was its soul. His departure in the Season 12 finale, “Never Say Goodbye,” left fans heartbroken but proud, as Boden’s promotion to Deputy Commissioner marked a hard-earned victory after years of protecting his team from bureaucracy and political games.

Yet even as he traded his chief’s jacket for a higher office, fans never stopped hoping for his return. After all, as the One Chicago mantra goes — once you’re part of 51, you’re family for life.

 

 

Boden’s exit was one of the most poignant send-offs in Chicago Fire history. When political rival Chief Robinson threatened to undermine 51’s integrity, Boden made the selfless choice to step up, accepting a promotion that would allow him to safeguard the department from above.

His final moments in the firehouse — exchanging heartfelt goodbyes with Severide (Taylor Kinney), Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), and Mouch (Christian Stolte) — captured everything that made him beloved: quiet strength, fierce loyalty, and unshakable faith in his people.

Without him, 51 struggled to find its rhythm. Temporary leadership changes and rotating chiefs highlighted just how irreplaceable Boden truly was.

According to insiders, Eamonn Walker will make his triumphant return early in the new season — and not just for nostalgia’s sake. A city-wide emergency reportedly forces the Deputy Commissioner to step out of headquarters and back into the firehouse.

Whether it’s a catastrophic string of fires, a political scandal threatening the CFD, or a direct threat to one of his own, the situation demands the presence of the one man who can unite the ranks and command both respect and results.“When Boden’s SUV pulls up outside 51 again,” one source teased, “you’ll feel it. It’s more than a cameo — it’s the Chief coming home.”

This won’t be the same Boden fans remember. As Deputy Commissioner, he now holds authority over the entire department — including his former house. That new power dynamic opens the door for intense drama and emotional reunions.

Conflict: Boden’s presence could ruffle feathers, especially with fiercely independent leaders like Severide. Will his decisions as DC clash with his old instincts as Chief?

Support: On the other hand, 51 will have an invaluable ally in the CFD’s upper ranks. If the house faces political threats or internal crises, Boden’s backing could make the difference between survival and shutdown.

The question at the heart of his return is one only Chicago Fire can answer: can Boden still be the heart of the firehouse when his duties demand distance?