Firehouse 51 is starting the new year on a high note with Christopher Herrmann and Mouch McHolland both passing

their exams. This allows them to operate the Chicago Fire Department ladder, with Mouch temporarily taking over

Truck 81 during Stella Kidd’s absence. However, not all news is good; Joe Cruz faces consequences from his past, and his fate is uncertain after a plan goes awry.

Of all the storylines in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9, Kelly Severide’s new role as a substitute teacher at OFI (Office of Fire Investigation) is particularly interesting, mainly because it marks the return of Jack Damon.

Jack Damon’s reappearance offers a compelling storyline that had been building weekly before his exit. Severide now has a revived family dynamic to explore.

Bringing Damon back is a positive move for Chicago Fire. Currently, Damon is working at a different firehouse, making an immediate return to Firehouse 51 unlikely. This separation could be beneficial, allowing Severide to differentiate his personal and professional relationships, especially given his marriage. The show can explore the brothers’ dynamic within the less intense environment of OFI.

Eventually, Benny’s younger son could potentially rejoin Firehouse 51. His reunion with the Firehouse 51 crew at Herrmann and Mouch’s celebration at Molly’s indicates he maintains positive relationships with his former colleagues, including Chief Pascal. The episode would have been even better if Stella Kidd had been present to witness the Severide brothers’ reunion.