The most notable fictional firefighters

Bode Leone (Max Thieriot) comes from a family firefighters; his parents are firefighters with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection from this CBS drama that debuted in 2022. It's also where the embattled, troubled Leone is assigned to work off his prison sentence as a volunteer firefighter for the California Conservation Camp Program. It's essentially the last place Bode wants to be, but this unique twist on the stereotypical TV firefighter is better than the alternative.

This popular ABC drama focuses on the Mid-Wilshire Division of the LAPD, but the show's lead John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) is married to this plucky Los Angeles firefighter. Bailey (Jenna Dewan) is a good-hearted, go-getter with a military background who has no problem putting her life in the line for the job — or when the LAPD comes calling. Plus, her life always seems to be in danger due to her association with Nolan, who seems to consistently have criminals wanting a piece of him.

Brilliantly played by Patton Oswalt, Boone is a surly, rather inept FDNY big wig (he once attempted to see if a liquid was water or gas by tossing a cigarette on it) who simply loathes NYPD detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg). The two have a serious rivalry that even broke out into a brawl between the cops and firefighters on one occasion. Oswalt's presence as Boone were limited to two episodes of this underrated sitcom, but it was certainly memorable. 

The first of several characters from this massively popular drama, which debuted in 2012 amid the Chicago franchise of television shows. Herrmann (David Eigenberg) is among the most experienced and well-respected firefighters of Truck 81 and Firehouse 51. He's served as acting Lieutenant before receiving his promotion and helps train new firefighters. Herrmann is a relatively good family man who has a soft spot for young victims and also likes to make a fast buck outside of the station house.

A strong-willed, talented firefighter/paramedic, Hen (Aisha Hinds) has enjoyed a successful second career following a stint as a pharmaceutical rep. Though her personal life can get in the way of her emotional well-being, Hen is as dependable as they come while a standout character on this network TV drama that began on Fox, before shifting to ABC in 2018. 

Actor Eddie Cibrian was lauded for his portrayal of Jimmy Doherty on this NBC drama that ran from 1999 to 2004. After his dream of playing Major League Baseball didn't pan out, Doherty joined the FDNY. Doherty is made for those always-popular firemen calendars, and tends to use his good looks to an advantage when it comes to the opposite sex. Accordingly, there's certainly more drama in his personal life than at the station house, where Doherty is an exceptional, dedicated firefighter.

This list is not limited to human fictional firefighters. Marshall is one of the most beloved members of the animated hit Paw Patrol franchise. The six-year-old dalmatian represents the firefighter/paramedic portion of the group. Sure, he can be clumsy and tends to consistently make some comedic blunders. However, Marshall, riding in on his red fire truck that doubles as an ambulance, is as loyal as they come and always gets the job done.`

Played by dependable veteran actor Peter Krause, Bobby Nash was the longtime the Captain of Station 118 of the Los Angeles Fire Department on this popular network series that's in its eighth season. A former alcoholic, Nash has managed to turn his life around after his drinking pretty much led to the deaths of his first wife and two children. That incident and the ensuing guilt led him to a career in the fire department, where Nash has managed to succeed despite still wrestling with those demons of the past.

The longtime chief of Battalion 25 at Firehouse 51, the veteran Boden (Eamonn Walker), Boden has dedicated his life to the job. And, in many ways, the department has caused his personal life to suffer. Boden is not an angel, but he will do anything to champion and fight for those in his house who work underneath him, although he also has no problem being their boss. At the end of the 12th season, Boden is promoted to Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department.

Likely under the radar for most, but this Welsh animated children's series should not be discounted. With episodes that can be found online, Fireman Sam follows this good-hearted, always reliable firefighter from the fictional rural Welsh village of Pontypandy. Sam is the star of the show, and a local hero to most for his dedication to his craft and ability to help anybody in need. Fellow firefighters Elvis Cridlington, Sam's goofy sidekick, and Penny Morris, a versatile member of the department, round out his team.

A headstrong paramedic, Dawson (Monica Raymund) is an extremely talented and dedicated member of the Chicago Fire Department. However, she's been known to flaunt the rules in order to save lives, and has no problem butting heads with her superiors. She co-owned the popular bar Molly's and was among the most popular and respected firefighters in her house. Raymund's run as this popular character lasted eight seasons as Dawson left for Puerto Rico to do relief work. 

One of the firefighting McCaffrey brothers, Brian (William Baldwin) has been reluctant to be part of the family business, especially after watching his firefighter father Captain Dennis McCaffrey die on the job years earlier. Brian is also living in the shadow of his older brother (more him in a bit), which adds a mental hurdle to an already demanding physical job. This is one of Baldwin's better roles from this 1991 Ron Howard hit, and a character that might be the most sympathetic of the bunch.

A spin-off Grey's Anatomy, ABC's Station 19 ran for seven seasons and remains one of the more underrated firefighter-themed drama in recent years. Jaina Lee Ortiz's Andy Herrera is the main protagonist of the series. She's a fire captain's daughter and has plenty to prove while trying to succeed in and out of the firehouse. She can be stubborn, and will jump the gun in terms of dealing with her emotions, but she's certainly a fighter. She eventually moves her way up to captain.

In the annals of fireman portrayals on television, Emergency! arguably remains the most beloved for Baby Boomers and a certain portion of Gen X. It was groundbreaking in the sense that the series, which aired from 1972-77, highlighted the day-to-day workings of two Los Angeles County firefighters who were also paramedics. Kevin Tighe's Roy DeSoto is the more grounded, by-the-book, all-business, family-man half of the pair. He's focused, but compassionate, and will even crack a joke from time to time.

This 1974 disaster film featured the legendary Steve McQueen in one of his final screen roles. And, boy, was it memorable -- starring alongside the likes of Hollywood heavyweights Paul Newman, Fred Astaire, Faye Dunaway and William Holden. McQueen always exuded cool in his roles, and this character is no exception. Not even a massive fire at this state-of-art San Francisco skyscraper can make Chief O'Hallorhan lose control. Even when putting his life on the line for a dangerous rescue amid the elements, O'Hallorhan is the right man for the job.

Award-winning actor Jesse Spencer has long been one of the most popular members of the Chicago franchise, as he crossed over with Chicago P.D.. Casey, who served as both Lieutenant and Captain of Truck 81, rode his men hard, but is essentially respected by all and is considered a strong leader. He was close with the aforementioned Gabby Dawson, but generally kept his personal life, and issues within that area, to himself. When it comes to overall character complexity, Casey is an interesting case study when it comes to being somewhat of a tortured soul.

We touched on Roy DeSoto already, but the true rock star of Station 51 is John Gage (played by Randolph Mantooth in his career-defining role). Young and attractive, John is carefree, likes to be out and about, and spends a good amount of time — on and off the clock — chasing women. However, John tends to be unlucky in love, mostly at his own doing. All that said, Gage is one fine paramedic/firefighter who is a champion of the job and is not afraid to put his life in danger to save a life when needed. 

It can be argued that Taylor Kinney has a much more dramatic real life than Severide does on camera. Still, Severide, Kinney's career-defining role, might be the most popular of any character within the entire Chicago franchise of shows. On Chicago Fire, Severide is the CFD's golden boy. The son of CFD Captain Benny Severide (Treat Williams), he was the youngest firefighter in the history of the department. A longtime friend of Casey, Severide has had his issues outside the station house, notably with his female workmates (Renée Royce or co-worker Stella Kidd). He's good at his job but lets outside issues creep into his work. It all makes for one legendary character.

This FX series which ran from 2004-11 followed FDNY veteran Tommy Gavin (in a starring role for Denis Leary), who is far from perfect. He might be dedicated to the job and quite good at it, but he has plenty of baggage, whether personal or professional, dealing with the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. However, that's what appreciated about the highly flawed Gavin, who might be the most intriguing character on this list. He's a different person on the the job than off. Leary earned three Primetime Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award nod for the role. 

One of legendary actor Kurt Russell's most acclaimed roles comes courtesy of this massively successful Ron Howard film. Stephen McCaffrey is a veteran firefighter, a lifer, who has no fear — and often no regard for the rules of safety amid this dangerous occupation. Stephen is a complex character with a haunting past and tense family situation. He tends to ruffle the feathers of his colleagues. However, he does it all with passion and love for a job that seems to be the most satisfying portion of his life. Russell also played his father, Dennis, in a flashback.