New Battalion Chief Shakes Up Firehouse 51 in “Chicago Fire” Season 13 Premiere

Dom Pascal, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney, made a significant impact in his debut as Battalion Chief during the Season 13 premiere of NBC‘s “Chicago Fire.” The character’s arrival at Firehouse 51 follows the promotion of former Chief Wallace Boden to Deputy Commissioner, a transition that brings new dynamics and challenges for the team.

Pascal introduced himself to the firefighters, acknowledging his respect for Boden, but made it clear that his leadership style would differ. “I have my own leadership style. I do things my own way, so you should all expect there’ll be some changes at Firehouse 51,” Pascal stated in his first address to the firehouse.

The episode, titled “Monster in the Field,” showcased Pascal’s hands-on approach during an emergency at a smoke shop. As butane tanks exploded, he led the evacuation efforts with confidence and without hesitancy. Colleague Violet Mikami remarked that Pascal seemed fearless as he entered the dangerous scene.

Pascal’s leadership style emphasizes knowledge and connection among team members. He sparked frustration by initiating a rule requiring firefighters to put away their phones during meals to encourage communication. Pascal argued that familiarity among team members shouldn’t lead to complacency, suggesting that ongoing questions and learning are crucial for safety.

The new chief brought additional changes, such as arranging post-call debriefing meetings and addressing rule violations, including married couples working the same shifts. His interaction with Lieutenant Severide highlighted a potential conflict of interest due to Severide’s marriage to Stella Kidd, another firefighter at Firehouse 51.

Pascal’s past in Miami introduced another layer to his character. A visit from a former colleague hinted at a mysterious event during his tenure there, leaving a noticeable effect on him. This subplot adds intrigue about Pascal’s history and how it might influence his future decisions.

In his personal life, Pascal’s relationship with his wife Monica is strained, leading to a dramatic moment when he is locked out of their home. Although tensions were high, the couple showed signs of reconciling.

The introduction of Dom Pascal has brought a fresh dynamic to “Chicago Fire,” promising to keep viewers engaged with his leadership approach and personal storyline. The series airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, with new episodes available to stream on Peacock.