Another Fan-Favorite Bids Farewell

Chicago Fire fans are bracing for more heartbreak as another beloved character leaves Firehouse 51 behind. Michael Bradway, who played Jack Damon — Severide’s half-brother — across 17 episodes in Seasons 12 and 13, will not return for Season 14. The news, confirmed by TVLine, adds to the wave of cast departures that have reshaped the NBC drama ahead of its fall 2025 premiere.

Bradway’s portrayal of Jack brought a fresh layer of family drama to the series. His tense but evolving bond with Severide gave fans a reason to tune in week after week. Viewers were only just beginning to see what Jack could become as part of Firehouse 51. Now, his story has been cut short, leaving fans with more questions than answers about his future.

Why Bradway Is Leaving

The reason behind Bradway’s exit has nothing to do with Firehouse 51 itself, but everything to do with opportunity. The actor has landed a major role in Prime Video’s upcoming series adaptation of Every Summer After, Carley Fortune’s 2022 bestselling novel. Filming for the project is already underway, which makes scheduling a return to Chicago Fire difficult.

Still, all hope is not lost. Producers have left the door open for Bradway to reprise his role as Jack Damon in the future, should his schedule allow. That glimmer of possibility may soften the blow for fans who have grown attached to the character in such a short span of time.

A Wave of Departures Hits Firehouse 51

Bradway’s departure is only the latest in a string of cast changes that have rocked Chicago Fire. Season 14 will go on without Jake Lockett, who played Sam Carver, and Daniel Kyri, who portrayed Darren Ritter. The loss of three key characters within such a short time frame raises big questions about how the show plans to move forward.

For longtime viewers, these exits are more than simple casting changes. Each character carried their own history, quirks, and bonds with the Firehouse 51 crew. Losing Jack Damon means saying goodbye to a key piece of Severide’s family arc. Losing Carver and Ritter means shaking up the very dynamic of the team itself.

Fresh Faces Joining the Ranks

Thankfully, it’s not all goodbyes in Season 14. Brandon Larracuente (best known for On Call and Freeform’s Party of Five) has been cast as a new series regular. While details about his character remain under wraps, his addition signals that the show is actively rebuilding Firehouse 51’s lineup.

Fans know that whenever someone leaves, someone new enters — and that tension is part of what keeps Chicago Fire feeling fresh after more than a decade on air. Larracuente’s arrival could offer new friendships, rivalries, and storylines to balance out the sting of recent losses.

What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward

Season 14 promises to be one of transition. With beloved characters gone and new ones stepping into the spotlight, the series has a chance to reinvent dynamics while still honoring its legacy. Jack Damon’s absence will no doubt leave a gap, especially in Severide’s storyline, but his potential return in the future leaves room for hope.

For now, fans will have to adjust to yet another farewell and prepare for the new faces who will shape Firehouse 51’s next chapter. The road ahead looks uncertain, but uncertainty has always fueled the drama at the heart of Chicago Fire.

Final Thoughts

Michael Bradway’s exit as Jack Damon is bittersweet. On one hand, it marks the end of a promising storyline for Severide’s half-brother. On the other, it highlights Bradway’s career growth as he moves into a high-profile Prime Video project. While Chicago Fire fans may feel the loss now, the possibility of his return ensures that this goodbye might not be forever.