Farewell to Peter Mills: Charlie Barnett, Beloved Actor of Chicago Fire, Dies

Chicago Fire is the first installment of the Chicago Franchise and one of Dick Wolf’s most successful series. The show follows the lives of Chicago firefighters and paramedics at the fictional Firehouse 51. The popular series was recently renewed for a 13th season. The key detail in keeping such a long-running procedural series fresh is the characters.

10. Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter Brings Youthful Vigor to the Series

Name Darren Ritter
Rank Firefighter
Fact Third LGBTQ+ Main Character to be portrayed in the series

Darren Ritter is one of the more recent additions to the Chicago Fire series. Ritter entered in Season 7 after being mentored by Senior Firefighter Randall ‘Mouch’ McHolland after he had a hard experience at a massive fire and temporarily quit. Mouch helped Ritter get a second chance in the CFD with Firehouse 51. At the new firehouse, Ritter benefited from the mentorship of more senior firefighters and blossomed.

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9. Christian Stolte as Randall ‘Mouch’ McHolland is Loyal to a Fault

Christian Stolte as Randall 'Mouch' McHolland on Chicago Fire
Name Randall ‘Mouch’ McHolland
Rank Senior Firefighter
Fact President of the Firefighters Union

Mouch is defined by his undeniable loyalty. Mouch will move hell and earth for his fellow firefighters. As a Union Represenative, he is by their side through disciplinary matters as well as being by their side in the field. Mouch almost perished in a factory fire in Season 6, Episode 1, “It Wasn’t Enough”. After he makes it out and struggles with returning to work, he gives a heartwarming speech about how he is grateful for his fellow firefighters and his wide and wants to remain on the job for as long as he is able. Mouch’s loyalty is his best aspect, and it improves the morale of the firehouse. He is an example for younger firefighters in the house.

Kara Killmer as Sylvie Brett listens to a patient's lungs on Chicago Fire
Name Sylie Brett
Rank Paramedic In Charge
Fact Recently moved to Portland with Casey

Sylvie Brett was introduced in Season 3 after the tragic passing of Paramedic Leslie Shay. It took time for the team to warm up to Brett due to Leslie’s death, but when they did she became a trusted comrade of the Firehouse 51 firefighters. She is an extremely talented paramedic and is known for her level head in the field.

7. Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd is an Unrelenting Leader

Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd on Chicago Fire (2)
Name Stella Kidd
Rank Lieutenant Firefighter
Fact Manager at Molly’s Bar

In Season 9, Episode 14, “What Comes Next,” Kidd takes the exam to become a Lieutenant after Chief Boden’s urging. Kidd passes and becomes the Lieutenant and Officer in Charge of Truck 81. Her promotion to lieutenant signifies her obvious leadership potential in becoming official. Kidd’s leadership prowess makes her one of the best characters on Chicago Fire.

6. Yuri Sardarov as Brian Zvonecek Was a Loyal Friend Until the End

Name Brian ‘Otis’ Zvonecek
Rank Firefighter
Fact Comes from a Russian immigrant family

Whether it is supporting personal endeavors such as Molly’s Bar, a firefighter bar owned by several Firehouse 51 members, or being side by side in deadly situations, Otis was always there for those in his Firehouse 51 family. He sacrificed himself heroically in the line of duty to save victims and his fellow firefighters in Season 8, Episode 1, “Sacred Ground.” He is remembered fondly to this day. Otis is one of the series’ best characters because of his unwavering loyalty, even at the expense of his own life.

5. Joe Minoso as Josef Cruz is a Steady, Dependable Presence

Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz on Chicago Fire

Josef ‘Joe’ Ignacio Cruz has led a hard life. He worked hard to make something of himself and chose a dangerous job despite growing up in a dangerous environment himself. Joe has proven to be one of the most dedicated firefighters at Firehouse 51 over his 12 seasons on the show.

Joe has always shown up for his team with the best of intentions. Occasionally, his zeal can cause him to rush headfirst into situations without making the most calculated choice. Despite this, he is one of the best characters in the series due to his dependable nature, such as how he is there for Gianna Mackey when she joins Firehouse 51 in Season 9, Episode 1, “Rattle Second City.”

David Eigenberg smiles as Christopher Herrmann on Chicago Fire
Name Christopher Herrmann
Rank Lieutenant Firefighter
Fact Owner of Molly’s Bar

Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann is a veteran at Firehouse 51. He is one of the longest-running characters on Chicago Fire and one of the most dynamic characters overall. In addition to being a firefighter, he was the driving force behind members of Firehouse 51 buying Molly’s Bar.

3. Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide is a Passionate and Devoted Firefighter

Taylor Kinney stands in dress blues as Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire
Name Kelly Severide
Rank Lieutenant Firefighter
Fact Had a reputation as a ladies’ man

Kelly Severide made waves right from the moment he was introduced as a main character in the pilot episode of Chicago Fire. Severide is a character-driven by emotion. Emotionally, he burns as hot as the fires he fights and is just as hard to extinguish.

2. Jesse Spencer as Matthew Casey is Cool and Composed

Casey argues with Hank Voight in Chicago Fire
Name Matthew ‘Matt’ Casey
Rank Captain
Fact He is a Licensed Contractor

Matthew ‘Matt’ Casey had one of the longest runs on Chicago Fire, appearing in the pilot all the way until Season 10. Casey is known for his level head in the face of danger and is widely regarded as an extremely competent leader. Casey’s best quality is his composure, which makes him a skilled firefighter and an even better leader.

1. Eamonn Walker as Wallace Boden is a True Protector of His People

Name Wallace Boden Jr.
Rank Deputy District Chief
Fact Former Navy SEAL

Chief Boden has been with the Chicago Fire Department for over 30 years and clearly views his occupation as more of a calling than a job. This calling contributes to his passionate leadership skills that lead his firefighters and paramedics to hold him in incredibly high esteem. So much so that he was asked to walk Lieutenant Stella Kidd down the aisle in Season 10, Episode 22, “The Magnificent City of Chicago.” Chief Boden’s protective nature allows his people to flourish and thrive in a safe environment under him, making him the best character in Chicago Fire.