Chicago Fire is about to hit a monumental milestone: its 300th episode. The One Chicago flagship has been a staple of NBC's lineup since 2012, and the creative team is pulling out all the stops for this landmark installment. According to Hanako Greensmith (Violet), the episode will be "haunting and exciting and thrilling," packed with moments that will resonate deeply with longtime viewers. She also teased that some familiar faces will pop up, characters we haven't seen in a while, which she says will "invite a lot of heartwarming material."
The reason for these returns is clear: this episode doubles as the send-off for original cast member Joe Miñoso, who plays beloved firefighter Joe Cruz. While any former member of Firehouse 51 would be a welcome sight, one character in particular absolutely needs to be there: CFD Deputy Commissioner Wallace Boden, played by the incomparable Eamonn Walker.
Boden Is the Heart of Firehouse 51
Boden's connection to Cruz runs deep. He was there from the very first episode, guiding Cruz from a hot-headed rookie to a respected veteran. He fought to reduce Cruz's suspension after a devastating accident, celebrated the birth of Cruz's son during the 200th episode, and even translated Otis's dying words in Russian for Cruz, knowing how much comfort they would bring. That father-son bond is something Cruz himself acknowledged in his farewell to Boden in Season 12's "Never Say Goodbye," when he said, "You made 51 a family, Chief, and this firehouse a home."
Now, with Cruz preparing to leave, it would feel incomplete if Boden weren't there to offer his deep, reassuring voice one last time. His presence would also create a beautiful passing-of-the-torch moment, especially since Severide now leads Firehouse 51. It would bring the series full circle, honoring both the past and the future.
Other Possible Returns
Of course, Boden isn't the only absent face fans are hoping to see. Matt Casey, Sylvie Brett, and Gabby Dawson are all beloved characters who could make a comeback. But there's also a strong possibility that Otis, who died in Season 8, might appear, thanks to a casting call for a character named "Otis" that matched Yurly Sardarov's description. How that could work is tricky—flashback, dream sequence, or near-death experience are all options, but each has its pitfalls. A flashback might offer new insight, while the other two could feel overdone.
Brandon Larracuente (Vasquez) has hinted that the writers gave Joe Miñoso a "wonderful sendoff," which suggests they've found a creative and satisfying way to handle Cruz's exit. Whether that includes a surprise appearance from Boden or someone else, the anticipation is building.
With the 300th episode airing on November 4, there's still time for the story to unfold. But one thing is certain: a return from Boden would be the most meaningful tribute to Cruz's journey and to the legacy of Chicago Fire itself. It would remind us all why we fell in love with Firehouse 51 in the first place.
