Daniel will leave the series after seven years in the opening episodes of season 14, which will air this fall. His character Darren Ritter joined

the show in 2018 with a three-episode arc that turned into him becoming a series regular, and he went on to become an integral part of the show.

“Yesterday, I filmed my last scenes as Ritter & I’m still so amazed that my first-ever TV gig—a role that was originally meant for just three episodes—turned into seven incredible years (SEVEN?!?!! Whatttt???!) and spanned eight seasons of this iconic show,” he wrote, alongside a carousel that opened with his official series portrait.

“While I know I may never find another cast and crew as amazing as this one, I intend to carry what I’ve learned from you to every set in the future,” he continued thanking the crew and the Wolf Entertainment team who “recognized me & aligned with my intention & vision for the potential of this character”.

Daniel thanked co-stars past and present including Miranda Rae Mayo, Hanako Greensmith, Alberto Rosende and David Eigenberg for their “relentless loyalty, compassion, & love throughout my time on this show” and the “gift” of their friendship.

“Chicago Fire changed my life,” concluded Daniel. “Bringing Darren Ritter to the screen has transformed & healed me in equal measure. He is a man who embodies empathy, humility, compassion, and unwavering bravery to save lives. His heroism is further fortified by the way he navigates the world—a gay Black firefighter who is proud, fierce, loyal, & whole—a possibility I never got to see onscreen in my childhood but desperately craved.

“I am so humbled & proud to have portrayed you. I’m thrilled that my inner child would have looked at you each week in awe of everything you represent. You made history. Thank you so much, Darren Ritter. And goodbye.”