Why Stella Is Really Leaving Chicago Fire’s Firehouse 51
Chicago Fire fans have embraced Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd’s foster journey with Isaiah—but Stella’s fierce devotion could come at a price. Is Firehouse 51 about to lose one of its own, and what’s pushing Stella toward the door?
Chicago Fire has been leaning into the softer side of Severide and Kidd lately, turning them into foster parents to Isaiah — and yeah, fans seem to be into it. Stella, in particular, looks like she slipped into the mom role without breaking a sweat. Which makes the next thing make sense: she is stepping away from Firehouse 51 for a bit. Not forever. But for a very specific, very personal reason.
Why Stella is stepping away
Short version: Isaiah is worried about his mom, Shawna, and Stella is doing something about it.
Shawna has been in long-term care since a car accident. Recently, Isaiah raised red flags that her current facility, St. John's, isn't taking proper care of her. Stella and Severide looked into it and confirmed his fears: the place is understaffed and underfunded — to the point where negligence has put Shawna at real risk.
So Stella went to Chicago Med's Goodwin for advice on a better option — nice little One Chicago crossover flavor there — and found a stronger care facility in Cleveland. That's where this becomes more than concern from afar: she told Severide she's taking a few weeks off, traveling with Isaiah, getting Shawna admitted, meeting the new doctors, and helping map out a treatment plan. It's Stella putting her career on pause to show up for her foster son and his mom. Very on-brand for her, honestly.
What happens next (and how long she's gone)
- Isaiah voices concerns about St. John's and his mom's treatment.
- Stella and Severide confirm the facility is underfunded and understaffed.
- Stella consults Chicago Med's Goodwin about better options.
- They land on a Cleveland facility that can actually handle Shawna's needs.
- Stella takes a few weeks off to travel with Isaiah, get Shawna admitted, and meet doctors to set a plan.
- She tells Severide this is temporary — she plans to be back fast, ideally before anyone at 51 even notices she was gone.
So, is this a goodbye?
Nope. The show is framing this as a short-term leave, not an exit. Stella's making sure Isaiah's mom is safe and properly cared for, then she'll head back to Firehouse 51. Expect her return sooner rather than later.