Every major romance on Chicago Fire, ranked from sweetest to most toxic

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NBC's Chicago Series Fall Season Kick-Off Party - Source: Getty

Chicago Fire is a blazing firehouse drama that delivers gut-wrenching rescues, high-stakes operations, and intense emotional jolts. Romance plots from this show offer an emotional anchor to the otherwise tightly knit episodes. Across its 13 (12 confirmed) seasons, Chicago Fire has introduced many iconic romance plots and some truly memorable love stories.

In the world of Chicago Fire’s intense firefighting, these budding romances humanize the key characters. It shows who they are when they are away from the chaos of Firehouse 51.

These bonds show how these characters rely on each other when they succeed in a near-death rescue or when they lose a fellow firefighter. These relationships shape the characters as much as they shape their careers as firefighters.

But not all Chicago Fire romances rank the same. Some are beautiful, while others are troubling. Here’s a breakdown of the major couples, ranked from the sweetest to the most toxic.


Every major romance on Chicago Fire, ranked from sweetest to most toxic

1. Stella Kidd & Kelly Severide

Kelly Severide is a dedicated lieutenant popular for his risky behavior. His partner, Stella Kidd, is known as a fearless, highly ambitious firefighter with a dedication to guiding new recruits. Stella and Severide’s relationship works as the anchor point of Chicago Fire.

Their relationship started gently. With flirting and a partnership built on mutual admiration and respect. Through good times and bad, through commitment fears and career changes, these bonds always found a way to grow stronger. The couple got married in Season 10, and the moment melted the hearts of the loyal fans.


2. Matthew Casey & Sylvie Brett

Matt Casey was the natural leader of Truck 81, and his partner, Sylvie Brett, is a dedicated paramedic who served with resilience. Fans waited patiently for the duo to get together, and when they did, it was worth it. Their relationship evolved slowly over time, and they handled their personal baggage and professional conflicts with maturity. In the world of intense firefighting, where every moment is unpredictable, Matt and Sylvie balance each other out with subtle support and a lovely bond.


3. Wallace Boden & Donna Robbins

Wallace Boden is the Battalion Chief of the Chicago Fire series, and his partner, Donna Robbins, is a steady school teacher. Donna met Wallace when he helped her fix her house, and from this point onwards, their romance matured. They got married in season 2 and even welcomed a son together.

We all know Chief Boden for his unwavering dedication and leadership qualities, but his relationship with Donna reflects his inner vulnerability. Unlike other bonds, their bond is more mature and grounded in reality—no petty drama, just two adults living their married life and parenthood with mutual respect. Theirs is one of the most gleaming examples of a healthy, mature relationship.


4. Christopher Herrmann & Cindy Herrmann

Christopher and Cindy Herrman stand out as one of the down-to-earth couples from the show. They share a genuine partnership. They are partners in life’s myriad ups and downs, from navigating family life to struggling with health issues.

Like every couple, they also had disagreements, but their connection remained unfading. This bond delivered a sense of stability within the intense, unpredictable, and always dynamic world of Chicago Fire.


5. Joe Cruz & Chloe Allen

Joe Cruz brought a breath of fresh air to the show with his funny behavior. But Joe suffers from a lack of self-confidence, and Chloe helps him regain it. This is the sweet foundation of their bond.

Joe Cruz had his fair share of heartbreak before Chloe entered his life. Their relationship evolved fast and eventually matured into their marriage. The marriage was a significant turning point for Cruz’s character. With the entry of Javier, the bond deepened even further, making them one of the sweetest couples from Chicago Fire.


6. Blake Gallo & Violet Mikami

Blake Gallo was a dynamic, impulsive firefighter from Firehouse 51 who developed a bond with popular, witty paramedic Violet Mikami. They started with a flirty competitiveness, but eventually their fun banters grew into a deeper bond. But this playful bond soon turned sour.

The downfall started when Gallo’s jealousy started to grow over Violet’s past relationship with fellow paramedic Evan Hawkins. This insecurity, coupled with Violet’s inability to become fully committed to Blake, created intense, constant tension.

From a narrative point of view, this relationship did not serve more towards anything other than some high-pitched workplace drama. Through this relationship, Gallo’s immaturity became palpable.


7. Gabby Dawson & Peter Mills

The paramedic turned firefighter Gabriela “Gabby” Dawson shared a short-lived romance with Peter Mills, a new recruit who wanted to embody his father’s glorious firefighting legacy. Their relationship blossomed during the early seasons when Dawson was still attached to Casey. At this point, the bond appeared like a distraction.

Mills was a hardworking character who often played second fiddle to Dawson’s lingering feelings for Casey. This odd dynamic was palpable, making their scenes feel forced. The relationship didn’t last long and did not add significantly to the overall dynamic of the show.


Romance on Chicago Fire reveals the personal battles behind the curtains when these firefighters and paramedics are not actively engaged in their line of duty. It adds a soft, humanizing touch, making the show iconic for its emotional appeal.

Also read: Which Chicago Fire death hurt fans the most? A breakdown of the top losses

Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal