'Chicago Fire' will have a new leader in season 13

EXCLUSIVE: NBC the Chicago fire will welcome a new leader in the season 13 premiere and it's not the one that was teased in last season's finale – they're shaking things up.

No, Herrmann (David Eigenberg) will not succeed Boden (Eamonn Walker) for reasons still unknown. Sources close to production reveal that 51's new boss, Dom Pascal (which could change) will be an entirely new male character who began his career at CFD but spent the last decade as a chef at Sunny Miami. Dom is described as a cheerful person who works well under pressure and whose leadership style differs from Boden's. He and his wife are separated. Casting for the series regular role is currently underway.

There have been a lot of changes at the Firehouse lately, most recently being Walker's departure as a series regular with plans to return in a recurring role in the future. In “Never Say Goodbye”, Boden is promoted to deputy commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department, leaving the door open to return.

Before that, One Chicago fans said goodbye to Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) after the paramedic married her true love Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) and moved with their daughter to Portland. Alberto Rosende also left in the first episode of season 12.

Newbies also arrived, including Rome Flynn, Jocelyn Hudon and Michael Bradway. Bradway has a juicy storyline to pick up when season 13 returns. In the season 12 finale, it was revealed that his character, Jack Damon, was Severide's (Taylor Kinney) brother. Hudon's Lizzy Novak is a wild and free parademic who, after a rocky start, settles in well on the team alongside Violet (Hanako Greensmith). Flynn shocked fans when he left the show after just 6 episodes, but don't worry, he's already been cast in the MGM+ series. Godfather of Harlem for the fourth season of the drama.