In the Chicago Fire season 13 fall finale, firefighter Joe Cruz finds himself caught in a dangerous situation that brings his past to light. As the storyline unfolds, Cruz faces the threat of gang

member Junior Polanco, who holds Cruz responsible for the death of his cousin, Flaco, a gang leader who perished in a fire back in season 1. When Polanco is shot during the winter premiere,

Cruz is caught in the crossfire, leaving him injured and struggling with his next steps. This crisis not only highlights Cruz’s personal turmoil but also emphasizes why

Chief Dom Pascal is proving to be an excellent replacement for the beloved Chief Boden at Firehouse 51.

Pascal’s handling of the situation shows his strong leadership qualities. As Cruz is questioned about Flaco’s death and Polanco’s release from prison, it becomes clear that he is hiding something. Cruz’s hesitation and evasiveness about the case concern Pascal, who immediately senses that Cruz isn’t sharing the full truth. During a tense conversation, Pascal reads Cruz’s body language and reacts strongly when Cruz denies knowing about Polanco’s release from prison. Pascal’s sharp instincts raise doubts about Cruz’s honesty, leading the chief to press for answers, despite the personal connection between Cruz and the case. His objective approach ensures that no one, not even the most trusted firefighters, can hide critical information from him.

What makes Pascal stand out as Firehouse 51’s new leader is his impartiality. Unlike Boden, who had a long and personal connection with the crew, Pascal is an outsider without emotional attachments. This fresh perspective allows him to be more objective and cut through any sentimentality that may cloud judgment. For instance, when Lieutenant Kelly Severide expresses doubt about whether Cruz could have saved Flaco, Pascal challenges Severide’s emotional involvement and questions whether he is acting as an investigator or a colleague. This no-nonsense attitude signals to everyone in Firehouse 51 that transparency is now mandatory, and no secrets will be overlooked.

Pascal’s tough approach stands in stark contrast to the more fatherly figure that Chief Boden represented for many years. Boden’s leadership style was nurturing, with a focus on being a mentor and confidant for his firefighters. He created a safe environment for the team to air their personal problems and find guidance. However, with Pascal in charge, the atmosphere has shifted. His leadership style is more direct and focused on accountability. While Boden’s warmth and support were vital to the firehouse’s success, Pascal’s cool-headed approach brings much-needed change. His commitment to fairness and openness ensures that Firehouse 51 will not only function efficiently but also evolve.

As Pascal continues to assert his authority, his leadership becomes crucial for the future of Firehouse 51. Despite Christopher Herrmann’s ambition to lead the house, Pascal’s ability to remain impartial, analyze cases without bias, and prioritize the job over personal connections makes him the perfect fit for a department that needs to adapt and stay focused on its core mission: saving lives. Firehouse 51 is in good hands with Dom Pascal at the helm, ready to face whatever challenges come their way in the coming seasons of Chicago Fire.