“Chicago Fire” has always put its characters in perilous situations, with firefighters and medics risking their lives to save others.

Throughout its 13 seasons, the show has seen several tragic deaths that remind viewers of the dangers inherent in this profession. In

an effort to pay tribute to those characters who have fallen, the series’ significant deaths are worth reflecting on, with the stipulation

that those remembered must have served as firefighters or medics.

The first major loss in the series came with Andy Darden, portrayed by Corey Sorenson, who was introduced in the pilot episode. Darden’s character was established as a close friend to both Matt Casey and Kelly Severide, and his untimely death during a fire in the pilot shocked the other characters and set the stage for the deep bond that would develop between Casey and Severide. Even years later, Andy’s legacy continues to influence the storyline, as Casey eventually becomes the guardian of Darden’s children.

Rebecca Jones, played by Daisy Betts, arrived in the second season and quickly formed a connection with Gabriela Dawson. However, her battle with personal demons led to her tragic decision to take her own life in the episode “Until Your Feet Leave the Ground.” This heart-wrenching moment marked the only suicide of a character from 51, and it remains one of the most somber storylines in the series, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by individuals even in heroic professions.

Leslie Shay, a fan-favorite character portrayed by Lauren German, met a similarly tragic fate at the end of season 2. Shay responded to a fire call, but the building collapsed with her inside, resulting in her instant death from a head injury caused by debris. This loss resonated deeply with fans and the characters alike, making it one of the show’s most devastating moments, confirmed in a gripping flashback during the season 3 premiere.

In later seasons, death became less frequent, but the emotional weight of these moments remained significant. Danny Borrelli, introduced as the brother of Jimmy Borrelli, was killed by falling debris in season 4. Although he was a peripheral character, the impact of his death on his brother and the firefighting team was profoundly felt and culminated in a tribute during the following episode that honored his sacrifice.

Another heartbreaking moment came with the death of Benny Severide, Kelly Severide’s father, in season 7. Treat Williams portrayed Benny, who had a complicated relationship with his son. His death, occurring off-screen yet felt deeply by the characters, showcased the emotional struggle for Kelly, who continued to reflect on lessons from his father in the aftermath of the loss.

Season 8 witnessed the gripping death of Brian “Otis” Zvonecek, played by Yuri Sardarov. After sustaining severe injuries in a mattress factory fire, Otis passed away in the hospital despite his best friend Joe Cruz’s efforts to save him. This loss left an indelible mark on both the characters and the audience, with Otis remembered fondly in the series’ dialogues even long after his death.

The most recent tragic loss occurred in season 11 with Chief Evan Hawkins, portrayed by Jimmy Nicholas. Hawkins, who had been a beloved figure and the boyfriend of Violet Mikami, met his end while attempting to rescue someone from a burning building. His death, confirmed in the following episode, left a haunting impact on the characters and viewers alike, emphasizing once more the pervasive danger faced by those in the firefighting profession. This sorrowful moment underlines the series’ commitment to portraying the high stakes of life as a firefighter, providing a poignant reminder of bravery even in the face of tragedy.