Meet the New Chief in Chicago Fire Season 13: Key Details and Insights

The highly anticipated Chicago Fire season 13 premiered on NBC and Peacock on September 25-26, 2024. This beloved series has been captivating audiences since its debut in 2010 and is the inaugural installment in Dick Wolf’s One Chicago franchise, which also encompasses popular shows like Chicago PD and Chicago Med.

As Chicago Fire season 13 unfolds, viewers have witnessed significant cast shifts and intriguing plot developments. A key addition this season is Battalion Chief Dom Pascal, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney.

Dom Pascal takes over the role of Battalion Chief from the outgoing Wallace Boden, who ascended to the position of Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department following the season 12 finale.

Introduction of Dom Pascal as the New Battalion Chief in Chicago Fire Season 13

In the Chicago Fire season 13 premiere, Dom Pascal is introduced as the new Battalion Chief of Firehouse 51. With Wallace Boden’s promotion, Dom felt it essential to instill confidence in his new team regarding his leadership abilities.

While introducing himself to the team, Dom stated:

“I have the utmost respect for D.C. Wallace Boden, and it’s truly an honor to be here, at his former seat. But I’m not Chief Boden. I’m not trying to be. I have my own leadership style.”

The staff at Firehouse 51 initially felt apprehensive about Dom replacing Wallace Boden until they witnessed his quick actions during a fire incident at a smoke shop, where he exhibited exceptional bravery by prioritizing civilian rescue over his own safety.

Dom’s Leadership Style: By-the-Book Approach

Unlike his predecessor Boden, Dom leads Firehouse 51 with a strict, by-the-book approach. For example, he implemented a no-cell-phone policy during team lunches, a regulation that frustrated long-time members of the Chicago Fire Department.

When team member Joe Cruz argued that the rule was unnecessary since everyone was acquainted, Dom responded:

“That’s where the trouble starts. You stop asking questions, finding out new things. If your life depends on knowing the firefighter on your left and right on every call and what their next move is going to be, there’s no such thing as too familiar.”

Other rules instituted by Dom include mandatory debriefings following every call responded to by Firehouse 51. He also began to enforce a regulation overlooked by Boden, which prohibited immediate family members from working the same shifts.

As Stella and Billy are married, they had previously violated this rule, which Boden had allowed. Dom acknowledged their record but indicated that he might not always be lenient if circumstances warranted a change.

Dom Pascal’s Troubled Past in Miami

On his inaugural day at Firehouse 51, Dom’s former CFD colleague, Chi-Hards, paid him a visit. During their discussion, Chi-Hards broached a sensitive topic pertaining to Dom’s past in Miami.

He questioned Dom, saying, “Listen, I don’t want to overstep, but we were close back in the day. I heard about what happened in Miami. You OK?”Dom’s expression shifted at this inquiry, and he quickly dismissed the conversation, asserting he was fine and needed to return to work.

The complex story of Dom Pascal will continue to evolve throughout Chicago Fire season 13, available for viewing on NBC and Peacock.

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