Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) was the chosen one. He was the veteran who was pegged by Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) to replace him as Chief in Chicago Fire’s season 12 finale. It makes sense on paper. Herrmann is a good worker, well-liked by all, and he knows what it means to put ones life on the line on a regular basis.

Herrmann didn’t have the credentials or the know how when the Boden conversation occurred, hence the arrival of Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), but it seemed like it was only a matter of time until he put the pieces together and showed himself to be ready for this increased responsibility. Or so we thought. Because as of right now, we doubt Herrmann will ever lead Firehouse 51.

Herrmann is reluctant to accept a promotion

Eamonn Walker recently spoke to TV Line about his upcoming return, and he gave some fascinating insight into the relationship between Boden and Herrmann. He acknowledges that Boden wanted his friend to take over as Chief, but points out that he may have been wrong in assessing how interested Herrmann was in the job.

Walker told the outlet that his character picks up on the feeling that Herrmann doesn’t want to lead 51 in the episode “Post Mortem.” There’s a realization that the veteran firefighter might be scared of the responsibility that comes with being Chief, and this will bring about some uncomfortable talks.

“There’s no resolve to it, because growth is painful, and you don’t just one day pass an exam and all of a sudden you know how to do the job,” Walker explained. “No, now you’ve got the paperwork, and now you have to discover what the job is. There’s a learning curve.” Notably, Walker makes reference to both Herrmann and Mouch (Christian Stolte), another vet who recently passed an exam.

Boden recognizes Herrmann’s reticence in “Post Mortem”

Mouch, similar to his best friend Herrmann, has struggled to balance his comfortability with the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with a promotion. It seems neither man wants to enact major change at this point in their career, which is something Boden recognizes. But, that doesn’t mean he’s given up on these two.

“Boden knows both Herrmann and Mouch will have to go on their learning curve to make up their minds about who and what they really are,” Walker asserted. He also pointed out the ways in which “Post Mortem” will further shake Herrmann and Mouch up, giving the consequences that will result from a tragic incident.

“You have their lives in your hands, and whatever you say, you make one mistake, which is what’s happened in this episode,” the actor explained. “A person dies, that’s quite heavy. Not everyone wants that.” Herrmann can always turn things around, and realize that he wants to become a leader moving forward, but as it stands, he’s not putting any pressure on Pascal.