Chief Wallace Boden is the fearless leader of Firehouse 51 on the hit NBC show Chicago Fire. He has been through a lot of challenges and changes in his personal and professional life over the course of the show. But where is he now and when will he be back? This article will give you a brief overview of his journey on the show and his current status.
Chief Wallace Bodenâs Journey on Chicago Fire
- First appearance: Boden was introduced in the very first episode of Chicago Fire, and it was immediately clear he was the glue that held Firehouse 51 together. A veteran first responder, Boden has always led from the front, never hesitating to run into a blazing inferno if his team needed assistance.
- Relationship with Finance Director Gail McLeod: In Season 2, Boden faced a major threat to his firehouse when Gail McLeod, a finance director appointed by the mayor, tried to shut down 51 due to budget cuts. Boden fought hard to save his firehouse, even risking his own career and reputation. He eventually managed to expose McLeodâs corruption and get her fired.
- Marriage to Donna Robbins Boden: Boden met Donna, a school teacher, in Season 2 and they quickly fell in love. Donna got pregnant and Boden proposed to her. They got married in the Season 2 finale at the firehouse, with Herrmann as the best man and Mills as the officiant. They later welcomed a son named Terrance.
- Ex-wife Shonda and stepson James: Boden had been married twice before Donna, including to a woman named Shonda. He had helped raise her son James, who considered him as his father. In Season 4, James got into trouble with a gang and Boden tried to help him out. However, James was fatally shot by a rival gang member, leaving Boden devastated.
- Son Terrance Boden and father Wallace Boden Sr.: Bodenâs relationship with his son and his father has been explored in several episodes. In Season 5, Bodenâs father, a former firefighter, suffered a stroke and moved in with Boden and Donna. Boden struggled to cope with his fatherâs declining health and his stubbornness. He also tried to bond with his son, who was more interested in music than firefighting.
- Promotion to District Deputy Chief: In Season 10, Boden was offered a promotion to District Deputy Chief by Commissioner Grissom. He initially declined, but later accepted after realizing it was an opportunity to make a positive impact on the fire department. He also wanted to prevent Stella Kidd, his protégé, from leaving 51 to take a leadership position elsewhere.
- Events in Season 12: Bodenâs new role as District Deputy Chief has put him in charge of several firehouses, including 51. He has to deal with more bureaucracy and politics, as well as the challenges of leading a larger team. He has also faced some conflicts with his former colleagues, such as Severide and Casey, who have different opinions on how to run 51.
Chief Bodenâs Current Status
- Why he is not on Season 12: Bodenâs absence from Season 12 has been explained by the fact that he is on a temporary assignment in Springfield, the capital of Illinois. He was sent there by Commissioner Grissom to help with a major reform of the fire department, which has been plagued by scandals and corruption.
- When will he return: Bodenâs return date has not been confirmed yet, but it is expected that he will be back by the end of Season 12. The showâs creator, Derek Haas, has hinted that Bodenâs assignment in Springfield will have a significant impact on his future and his relationship with 51.
Candice Weberâs Character on Chicago Fire
- Actor who plays Chief Wallace Boden: Chief Wallace Boden is played by British actor Eamonn Walker, who has been a mainstay on the show since it first premiered in 2012. Walker is one of the only three actors to appear in every episode of the show, along with Jesse Spencer (Casey) and Taylor Kinney (Severide). Walker is also known for his roles in movies such as Tears of the Sun, Lord of War, and Cadillac Records, and TV shows such as Oz, Kings, and The Whole Truth.
Conclusion
Chief Wallace Boden is one of the most beloved and respected characters on Chicago Fire. He has been the heart and soul of Firehouse 51 for ten seasons, and his journey has been full of ups and downs. He is currently on a special assignment in Springfield, but fans are eagerly waiting for his return to the show. Boden is not only a great leader, but also a loyal friend, a loving husband, and a devoted father. He is truly a hero in every sense of the word.
