What happened to Gorsch in Chicago Fire? Character's fate, explored in depth 

Jerry Gorsch, portrayed by Steven Boyer, was one of the most memorable antagonists in Chicago Fire. As the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), Gorsch stirred up trouble at Firehouse 51 during Season 7.

Despite his high-ranking position, he lacked any real firefighting experience and had risen through the ranks thanks to the backing of Commissioner Carl Grissom. His presence was marked by arrogance, incompetence, and a knack for making enemies.

Gorsch’s climb up the CFD ladder was far from traditional. Unlike most firefighters who earn their stripes through years of service, Gorsch fast-tracked his way to power, courtesy of Grissom’s patronage. This left him severely unqualified for his role, yet he wielded authority over seasoned professionals. Gorsch was fired after attempting to provide firefighters with cheaper, untested equipment while embezzling those funds.

An arrogant and irresponsible leader

From the moment he arrived at Firehouse 51, Gorsch made it clear he wasn’t there to make friends. He set up his own office and began dictating how he thought things should run, much to the team’s frustration. His lack of experience and condescending attitude created an environment of tension, especially with Chief Wallace Boden.

Gorsch wasn’t just at Firehouse 51 to enforce Grissom’s policies. He also harbored a personal grudge against Boden for a perceived slight earlier in his career. This vendetta added another layer of conflict, as Gorsch constantly sought ways to undermine the respected chief.

Gorsch’s incompetence wasn’t just annoying, it was dangerous. On one occasion, his irresponsibility put Captain Matthew Casey’s life at risk. Things came to a head when Gorsch attempted to supply the department with cheaper, untested equipment.

His actions endangered the safety of firefighters and revealed his true motives when it was discovered he was embezzling funds intended for reliable gear. These unethical decisions ultimately led to his dismissal from the CFD.

Gorsch’s removal from Firehouse 51 wasn’t entirely due to his failures. Benny Severide, in his last major act before his death, convinced Grissom to pull Gorsch from his position. This intervention not only saved the team from further trouble but also gave Benny a redemptive moment.

While Gorsch was a thorn in everyone’s side, his presence inadvertently led to some good. For instance, Christopher Herrmann finally earned a long-overdue promotion during Gorsch’s tenure. In a strange twist, the character who caused so much chaos also enabled key developments for the team.

Interestingly, Gorsch’s character wasn’t part of the original plan. Showrunner Derek Haas revealed that Gorsch was created because Gary Cole, who played Grissom, was unavailable. Steven Boyer stepped in and delivered a performance that fans loved to hate. Gorsch may not have been as intimidating as Grissom, but he filled the role of a temporary villain perfectly.

Trending

When fans think of Gorsch, they remember him not just for his antics but for the storylines he enabled. His character brought out heroic moments in others, like Benny’s redemption and Herrmann’s promotion. In the end, Gorsch’s impact on Chicago Fire was more significant than anyone could have expected.

While Gorsch’s story seemed to wrap up, there’s always a chance he could return. His character remains a memorable part of the series, and fans would undoubtedly have mixed feelings about seeing him again.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback

Comment