Chicago Fire’s Eamonn Walker Leaves the Finale: How Chief Boden Left

SPOILER ALERT: This story contains storylines from “Never Say Goodbye,” the May 22 season 12 finale of “Chicago Fire.”

It was a farewell night on ‘Chicago Fire’. The season 12 finale marked the final episode for Eamonn Walker as Battalion Chief Wallace Boden. The actor, who has served as Firehouse 51’s chef since the series’ debut in 2012, will no longer appear as a series regular starting next season.

After a difficult decision, Boden decided to throw his hat in the ring for the position of Deputy Commissioner, mainly because those in the running (particularly Chief Robinson) would not be able to lead in a way that would benefit the department deserves. If he wanted to become DC, he would have to leave 51 for good. After telling the team, he told Herrmann (David Eigenberg) that given the slim chance of him getting promoted, he would like him to take over his job.

Ultimately, Boden thought he was passed over. However, after learning that Stella (Miranda Rae Mayo) had gone to Oakland to vouch for him, proving how much he brings people together, he was named the new Deputy Chief of the Chicago Fire Department.

Walker, who starred in a total of 252 episodes of “Chicago Fire,” is the third series regular to end this season, following Alberto Rosende and Kara Killmer, who left in the first half of season 12.

While it seemed like the season finale would end with the group hugging Boden goodbye, there was actually another secret waiting to be revealed. New firefighter Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), who has been keeping a secret since joining Firehouse 51, cleaned up in the final moments. He revealed to Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) that the last call reached him and he lost his temper because he saw a father mistreating his son. It hit close to home, he said, revealing that his father mistreated him — and that father’s name was Benny Severide.

Benny, who was played in 16 episodes by the late Treat Williams, is Kelly’s father who died after suffering a stroke in season 7.