What We Did (and Didn’t) Learn About Sal Vasquez, Chicago Fire’s New Firefighter
The Chicago Fire season 14 premiere (“Kicking Down Doors”) introduced fans to a mysterious new face at Firehouse 51 — Sal Vasquez (played by Brandon Larracuente). From his first chaotic shift to his tense encounters with Stella Kidd, Vasquez made it clear he isn’t just another rookie firefighter. But while we got glimpses into his past, much about him remains shrouded in secrecy.
A Rough First Impression
Vasquez’s debut was anything but smooth. Replacing a beloved driver, he immediately rubbed Stella the wrong way with his cocky one-liners and reckless driving during his first call. By making a hard U-turn without orders, he put the team on edge, earning Stella’s suspicion right from the start.
While Stella saw red flags, Chief Dom Pascal brushed off her concerns, insisting she give Vasquez time. His laid-back attitude only deepened the mystery of why Pascal seems so intent on keeping Vasquez at 51.
A Police Academy Past
One of the premiere’s biggest reveals was Vasquez’s history. When bullets rained down during a dangerous call, Vasquez reacted like a trained cop — dropping to the ground and warning the team with uncanny instincts. Later, he admitted he’d spent time at the police academy before switching tracks to firefighting.
Still, Stella found his background troubling, especially after learning he’d bounced between firehouses with a reputation for insubordination. Why exactly did the department push him onto Firehouse 51?
Lizzie Novak Becomes His Ally
Despite friction with Stella, Vasquez managed to make a friend in paramedic Lizzie Novak (Jocelyn Hudon). She reached out when he was ordered to clean bathrooms, and later helped him treat a nasty torso gash he’d foolishly tried to stitch himself.
Their easy banter gave fans the first sign that Vasquez might not be entirely closed off — though his secrecy and reckless choices are bound to cause more drama down the line.