In a heart-felt departure, Dermot Mulroney has left his role as Battalion Chief Dominic “Dom” Pascal in the NBC series Chicago Fire, concluding his journey with the show following the premiere of its 15th season. Mulroney joined the cast during season 13, following Eamonn Walker’s long tenure as Chief Wallace Boden, and quickly endeared himself to audiences with his portrayal of a disciplined leader navigating the complexities of firehouse life.
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Having first appeared in 2024, Mulroney’s character made a significant impact during his two-season run. Chief Pascal was known for his strict enforcement of the rules, but he also demonstrated a willingness to bend them when necessary. A notable storyline involved his decision to defy a federal agent’s orders, resulting in him entering a burning building to collect vital evidence, which ultimately cost him his job. This arc added depth to his character, making his eventual departure even more poignant for viewers.
In the season 15 premiere, fans witnessed Pascal’s farewell as he shared a poignant moment with fellow firefighter Kelly Severide, played by Taylor Kinney. His decision to leave comes after a significant character arc that saw him wrestling with the idea of retirement and considering opportunities at a firehouse in Phoenix. Mulroney’s exit was marked by a sense of finality, as he expressed sadness about stepping away from a role he had invested so much into.
Reflecting on his experience at a recent panel during Flashback Weekend, Mulroney expressed gratitude for the time he spent on the show. “This season, sadly, I have one episode,” he disclosed, emphasizing how he cherished the storyline crafted for him. “I finished on Tuesday, and they write the character off. We gave it our all for two seasons. They wrote an incredible storyline that put me, as an actor, in high challenge. So I loved every minute of it.” His emotional connection to the role was evident as he described the impact of being part of a series that resonates deeply with first responders and their families.
Mulroney also spoke about the camaraderie he developed with the cast over his time on the series. “I became friends with this incredible crew of people,” he reminisced, noting that many of his colleagues had been part of the show for well over a decade. He highlighted that being involved in a project that holds significant meaning for first responders across the country added a special layer to his experience. “I hear how much these shows mean to those people,” he stated. “I can’t tell you how many people come up and they’d much rather have an autograph on Scream VI, but they’re Chief Pascal for their dad. It’s an amazing thing to see.”
Showrunner Victor Teran commented on Mulroney’s departure, describing it as a necessary change for the evolving narrative of Chicago Fire. “We knew we had to do that,” Teran explained, indicating a desire to keep the story fresh and engaging for viewers. The decision to part ways with Mulroney was not taken lightly, as he played a crucial role in the series during a transitional period when Boden’s character left.
Despite Mulroney’s exit, the season 15 premiere left fans with a sense of closure regarding his character. He has been recognised not only for his performance but also for bridging the gap after the departure of a long-standing character in the series. Teran referred to the challenge of filling Boden’s shoes and praised Mulroney for stepping up to the plate. “Dermot came in and did this incredible job, and provided a bridge to what the future is going to be,” he said.
As the series moves forward, Mulroney’s farewell will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on both the characters and the fans who have followed his journey at Firehouse 51. Underneath this departure lies a story of camaraderie, resilience, and respect for the brave first responders who inspired the show. As fans say goodbye to Chief Pascal, they are left with cherished memories of his time in the firehouse, as well as anticipation for what lies ahead in the stories that are yet to unfold on Chicago Fire.