A notable change is coming to Chicago Fire as Season 14 moves into its later episodes. NBC has confirmed that a familiar leader will briefly step away, while a new authority figure arrives to guide Firehouse 51 through a pivotal stretch of the season.
Dermot Mulroney to Take a Temporary Hiatus After Episode 14
Dermot Mulroney, who plays Battalion Chief Dominick “Dom” Pascal, will pause his on-screen role following Episode 14 of Season 14. According to industry reports, Pascal is expected to return close to the season finale, although scripts for those concluding episodes are still being completed.
Before stepping away, Mulroney will appear in the One Chicago crossover during Episode 13, airing Wednesday, March 4, from 8–11 p.m. ET/PT. The break is written into the storyline and is not connected to any behind-the-scenes issues.
Mulroney joined the series in July 2024, stepping into a key leadership role after Eamonn Walker’s departure as Chief Boden. Outside the NBC drama, he also stars in Netflix’s The Hunting Wives, which began filming its second season in November and is scheduled to premiere later this year.
Rob Morgan Introduced as Battalion Chief Hopkins
While Pascal is off-screen, Rob Morgan will enter the story in a recurring role as Battalion Chief Hopkins. Morgan debuts in Episode 16 and will appear in four episodes total, including the Season 14 finale.
Hopkins is portrayed as a seasoned leader with a troubled past shaped by years overseeing multiple firehouses. Known for his firm presence, he quickly establishes authority, filling the leadership gap at Firehouse 51 during Pascal’s absence.
Morgan is widely recognized for his work in Mudbound, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, and several Netflix projects. Most recently, he starred in The Rivals of Amziah King, which premiered at SXSW and is slated for a summer theatrical release. His upcoming film Frank & Louis is set to debut at the Sundance Film Festival. He is represented by Elysian Heights and Fox Rothchild.
What This Means for Chicago Fire Season 14
The temporary departure of Pascal and the arrival of Hopkins signal a fresh dynamic for Firehouse 51. With a new battalion chief asserting control, viewers can expect shifts in command, tension among the ranks, and storylines that test the team’s adaptability. As the season approaches its finale, these leadership changes are poised to shape the emotional and narrative direction of the series.
Originally posted 2026-02-09 08:55:37.