Chicago Fire Season 14 Sees Major Departures: Ritter and Carver Leave Firehouse 51

Season 14 of NBC's hit drama Chicago Fire premiered with significant changes, as fans said goodbye to two beloved characters, Darren Ritter and Sam Carver. These departures are shaking up Firehouse 51 and leaving viewers wondering about the future of their favorite firefighters.

The series, known for its dramatic rescues and compelling character arcs, has confirmed that actors Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett will no longer be full-time cast members. Their exits, airing in the season's early episodes, mark a bittersweet new chapter for the One Chicago franchise.

Spoiler Advisory: This article discusses plot points from Chicago Fire Season 14, including character exits and their storylines up to Episode 2, "Primary Search."

Daniel Kyri's Darren Ritter Departs, But a Return Could Still Be Possible

Firehouse 51 bid an emotional farewell to Daniel Kyri's Darren Ritter in the October 8 episode of Chicago Fire, titled "Primary Search." Ritter's departure comes after an evolving storyline that saw him reconnect with his ex-boyfriend, Dwayne.

The arc began when Ritter rushed to New York City in the Season 14 premiere, after learning Dwayne had been shot in the line of duty. This quick trip was a pivotal moment, forcing Ritter to confront his feelings and past choices.

Exploring Ritter's Emotional Journey Towards His Extended Furlough

Upon his return to Chicago, Ritter confided in Violet, admitting, "This week was a lot." He felt immense guilt, believing his earlier decision not to move in with Dwayne might have indirectly led to Dwayne's shooting in New York. This internal conflict weighed heavily on him.

Violet, drawing on her own experiences, urged Ritter not to let guilt push Dwayne away again. Her advice proved crucial. Ritter called Dwayne, and their two-hour conversation changed everything for the former couple. Dwayne expressed regret about their breakup, leading them to decide to get back together.

Ritter's Bittersweet Goodbye to Firehouse 51 Colleagues

With his relationship rekindled, Ritter made the significant choice to take an "extended furlough" to New York City to be with Dwayne. He assured Violet and Novak he wasn't quitting the CFD, but his parting words to them, "We'll see what happens," hinted at a potentially permanent move.

Before his flight, Ritter shared heartfelt goodbyes with Mouch, Violet, and Novak. The scene underscored the strong bonds he had formed at Firehouse 51, making his exit particularly poignant for both characters and viewers.

Showrunner and Actor Weigh in on Darren Ritter's Future

Despite Ritter's departure, showrunner Andrea Newman offered a glimmer of hope for his return. She told TV Insider that Daniel Kyri's exit does not close the door on future appearances, stating, "He's there at the beginning of the season, and we hope to see him back at some point later in the season."

Newman further explained, "This is what we do on Chicago Fire. We'll say our goodbyes, and then we'll see people again. And he's certainly very much still in the lives of all of us." This suggests fans might see Ritter back in Chicago, or at least hear about his ongoing life, in Season 14 or beyond.

Daniel Kyri himself penned an emotional farewell to the show and his character in an August 2025 Instagram post. He expressed gratitude for his seven incredible years and eight seasons, noting the role was originally meant for only three episodes. Kyri called Chicago Fire a life-changing experience that "transformed & healed me in equal measure."

He proudly reflected on portraying "a gay Black firefighter who is proud, fierce, loyal, & whole," a representation he desperately craved as a child. Kyri's heartfelt message resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the cultural significance of his character on mainstream television.

Jake Lockett's Sam Carver Leaves Firehouse 51 for a Fresh Start

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Daniel Kyri isn't the only familiar face exiting Firehouse 51 in Season 14. Jake Lockett, who portrayed firefighter Sam Carver, also departed the series, with his exit storyline concluding in the Season 13 finale.

Carver's departure was confirmed earlier, reportedly due to budget cuts and other production adjustments at Wolf Entertainment, as cited by Deadline. This news set the stage for a bittersweet goodbye for a character who had found his place at Firehouse 51.

Carver's Journey Towards Sobriety and a New City

Carver's storyline in Season 13 focused on his personal growth, particularly his struggles with sobriety. He realized that Chicago might not be the best environment for him to maintain his hard-won progress. This led to his decision to accept a position with the Denver fire department, seeking a clean slate.

His move to Denver was a significant step in his personal journey, prioritizing his health and well-being. This decision underscored his commitment to overcoming his challenges, even if it meant leaving his newfound family at Firehouse 51.

The Romantic Impact of Carver's Departure on Violet Mikami

Carver's exit also had a profound impact on Violet Mikami. The Season 13 finale saw a reconciliation between the two, with Carver confessing his feelings for Violet in a heartfelt scene. Their relationship, marked by a slow-burning chemistry and shared traumas, had deepened considerably.

The season ended with a hopeful kiss, suggesting a potential future for the couple. However, Carver's planned move to Denver raises questions about the viability of a long-distance relationship, potentially setting Violet up for another heartbreak, as noted in the context.

Showrunner Andrea Newman described Carver's departure as "bittersweet but true to his journey," acknowledging the emotional weight of his exit while emphasizing its narrative integrity.

Jake Lockett Shares His Appreciation with Fans

Jake Lockett took to Instagram in April to share his reflections on leaving Chicago Fire. He posted a montage of moments from the set, expressing his pride in his journey and gratitude for the love and support he received over three years.

Lockett acknowledged the uncertainty of the future, stating, "While I don't exactly know what the future looks like, I do know that it won't be exactly what it was and I am going to miss the hell out of that." His message highlighted the strong bonds formed within the show's cast and crew.

Wider Cast Changes and the Evolving Landscape of Firehouse 51

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Beyond Ritter and Carver, Chicago Fire Season 14 also saw other shifts. Michael Bradway's character, Damon, transferred to another firehouse in the premiere episode. Bradway's departure was attributed to his availability.

These cast changes come amidst discussions of budget cuts across the network, impacting various roles. The show, however, continues to bring in new talent to fill the void.

New Faces and Returning Mainstays for Chicago Fire Season 14

Brandon Larracuente joins the cast as Sal Vasquez, a new firefighter whose bold style and presence are said to echo Carver's early days. His introduction signals Firehouse 51's resilience and capacity to adapt to new team dynamics.

Fans can rest assured that core characters like Lieutenant Stella Kidd, portrayed by Miranda Rae Mayo, and Paramedic Violet Mikami, played by Hanako Greensmith, are "expected to return" as main cast members. Their continued presence provides stability and continuity amidst the departures.

The show continues to air on Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC, with next-day streaming available on Peacock. Viewers can keep up with the evolving storylines and new challenges facing Firehouse 51.

What These Departures Mean for the Future of Chicago Fire

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The exits of Darren Ritter and Sam Carver mark a significant turning point for Chicago Fire. While departures are a natural part of long-running series, the emotional weight of these particular goodbyes highlights the strong connection viewers have forged with these characters.

Ritter's arc as a proud, gay Black firefighter provided crucial representation, and his open-ended departure leaves the door ajar for future visits. Carver's journey of redemption and romance added layers of depth to the firehouse dynamic, and his move signifies a personal victory, albeit a distant one.

As Firehouse 51 adapts to these changes, the series continues to explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and personal growth. The infusion of new characters like Sal Vasquez ensures that the dramatic action and interpersonal relationships remain at the forefront of the show, promising an engaging Season 14 for fans.