A major shift has arrived at Chicago Fire as the long-running NBC drama confirms the temporary departure of Battalion Chief Dom Pascal, played by Dermot Mulroney.

The character’s exit, which unfolds in Season 14, Episode 14 titled “Hit and Run,” marks a dramatic turning point for Firehouse 51 and sets the stage for significant leadership changes

within the Chicago Fire Department. While the news of Mulroney’s departure initially shocked viewers, producers have emphasized that this is not intended to be a permanent goodbye.

Instead, the actor is stepping away for what has been described as an extended hiatus, leaving the door open for Pascal’s potential return later in the season—or in future episodes.

Still, the way the storyline unfolds in Episode 14 gives the moment a weight that feels far more final than fans expected.

A Hiatus That Shook Firehouse 51

News that Dermot Mulroney would be stepping away from the series first surfaced earlier this year. Reports revealed that his final appearance before the break would occur in Season 14, Episode 14, though few details were initially provided about how the show would write Pascal out.

Behind the scenes, the production team was reportedly still finalizing scripts for the latter part of the season when the announcement was made. That uncertainty left open the possibility that Pascal might reappear before the season finale, though no official confirmation has yet been given.

What fans did know, however, was that the show’s writers planned to integrate Mulroney’s absence directly into an ongoing storyline rather than abruptly removing the character.

As it turns out, Pascal’s exit is tied to one of the most intense crossover storylines in the broader One Chicago universe.

The High-Stakes Crossover That Changed Everything

Pascal’s fate was sealed during the explosive One Chicago crossover event, which saw characters from Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med racing against time to stop a deadly chemical attack.

At the center of the crisis was a toxic substance that had already exposed several first responders, including members of Firehouse 51. Without a fast response and the discovery of an antidote, those exposed to the chemical could die.

Among those at risk were firefighters who viewers have followed for years, making the stakes painfully personal.

Investigators eventually tracked the suspected mastermind behind the attack to his home. However, when law enforcement arrived at the location, the building suddenly erupted in flames. The suspect had rigged the residence with explosives in a desperate attempt to destroy evidence before authorities could reach it.

Ordinarily, such a scene would fall directly under the responsibility of the Chicago Fire Department. But in this case, the situation became complicated.

A Risky Decision

At the site of the burning building, Pascal and Hank Voight of Chicago P.D. faced resistance from federal authorities.

Specifically, David Conway, the FBI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction coordinator for the Chicago field office, refused to allow either Pascal or Voight to enter the property. His reasoning was clear: the structure was unstable and could collapse at any moment.

But Pascal believed time was running out.

If evidence inside the building could identify the chemical compound used in the attack, doctors might be able to create or locate the antidote needed to save the firefighters already exposed.

Faced with the possibility of losing lives—including his own crew members—Pascal made a decision that would change everything.

Ignoring federal orders, he entered the burning apartment building himself.

Arrested for Saving Lives

Pascal managed to locate a critical piece of evidence: a hard drive containing files related to the chemical attack.

When he exited the burning structure, however, he was immediately arrested.

Federal authorities charged him with obstructing the investigation after he defied orders and interfered with the FBI’s handling of the scene.

The arrest sent shockwaves through the crossover storyline. Pascal had broken protocol—but his actions ultimately proved crucial.

The data on the hard drive revealed key details about the toxin and the suspect’s motivations. With that information, investigators were able to move forward quickly.

Most importantly, the discovery helped medical teams develop a treatment plan that saved the lives of several firefighters exposed to the chemical, including Joe Cruz, Sam Carver, and other members of Firehouse 51.

In many ways, Pascal’s reckless act turned him into a hero.

But heroism doesn’t always protect someone from consequences.

The Board’s Brutal Decision

Although Pascal was eventually released from custody, the situation was far from resolved.

When Season 14, Episode 14 begins, Pascal faces a formal hearing before the Chicago Fire Department board.

Many within Firehouse 51 hope the department will recognize that Pascal’s actions ultimately saved lives. But the board sees things differently.

Determined to set an example, officials rule that Pascal’s conduct violated departmental standards. Despite the lives he helped save, they decide the breach of protocol cannot be ignored.

The verdict is harsh.

Pascal is officially terminated for “conduct unbecoming” and relieved of duty effective immediately.

For Firehouse 51, the decision lands like a devastating blow.

A Final Shift at Firehouse 51

The remainder of the episode follows Pascal as he completes what becomes his final day at the firehouse.

Rather than leaving abruptly, he takes time to meet individually with several senior officers, offering guidance and words of encouragement before departing.

These quiet moments give the episode emotional depth, allowing characters—and viewers—to process the sudden change.

One particularly meaningful scene occurs between Pascal and Kelly Severide.

As a final gesture, Pascal leaves Severide a study guide intended to help him pursue the next step in his career within the CFD: becoming a captain.

It’s both a symbolic passing of the torch and a reminder of Pascal’s belief in Severide’s leadership potential.

A New Opportunity in Phoenix

With his career in Chicago seemingly over, Pascal initially considers stepping away from firefighting altogether.

But an unexpected conversation changes his perspective.

Inspired by the encouragement of Randall “Mouch” McHolland, Pascal decides not to abandon the profession that has defined his life.

Instead, he contacts a former colleague who currently works as a Deputy District Chief in Phoenix—a contact who has previously tried to recruit him.

By the end of the episode, Pascal appears ready to accept the position, suggesting that his journey will continue far from Chicago.

A New Leader Steps In

With Pascal gone, Firehouse 51 quickly finds itself under new leadership.

Actor Rob Morgan joins the cast as Battalion Chief Hopkins, the officer assigned to oversee the firehouse during Pascal’s absence.

Hopkins arrives with a reputation for strict authority and extensive experience supervising multiple firehouses across the city.

Early descriptions of the character suggest he will not hesitate to assert his command—a leadership style that may clash with the fiercely independent firefighters of Station 51.

Will Pascal Return?

Despite the emotional weight of the farewell, producers insist that Pascal’s departure should not be viewed as permanent.

Dermot Mulroney’s exit has been described strictly as a hiatus, meaning the character could return at any point if the story calls for it.

Whether that return happens later in Season 14 or in a future season remains uncertain.

For now, Firehouse 51 must adapt to life without the chief who risked everything to save them.

And for viewers, Pascal’s departure marks the end of a dramatic chapter—one defined by courage, sacrifice, and the difficult consequences of doing what you believe is right.