Chicago Fire has consistently captivated audiences with its thrilling action sequences and deeply human drama, but the true essence of the show lies in the intricate relationships and compelling character dynamics within Firehouse 51. While beloved figures like Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer), Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso), and the late Otis (Yuri Sardarov) form the heart of the series, the show has never shied away from introducing characters who evoke strong negative reactions from viewers. These individuals, whether outright villains or simply deeply flawed, often serve as crucial catalysts for conflict and character development, prompting groans of exasperation whenever they appear on screen.

While every fan holds a favorite character dear, the ten individuals highlighted here stand out for their widespread unpopularity. The challenge in assembling this list was not in finding disliked characters, but in precisely ranking the most unlikable among them, given the intense feelings they stir.

Here are the ten most disliked Chicago Fire characters, ranked by their capacity to irritate and antagonize:

10. Don Ramsey
Introduced in Season 11, Don Ramsey (David Lee), the Chicago city treasurer, made a notably poor first impression when he was discovered cheating on his wife during a fire. His subsequent demand that Firehouse 51 keep his infidelity a secret immediately established him as morally questionable. The situation escalated dramatically when Ramsey threatened to derail the career of Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and the entire firehouse if his extramarital activities were exposed. His chilling assertion, “If anyone finds out I was the unidentified man, I will ruin you, your Lieutenant, and this whole firehouse,” underscored his readiness to exploit his power and intimidate first responders for personal gain. While his actions did not result in physical harm, the sheer audacity of his threat and the ethical quandary he forced upon Ritter placed him firmly in the hated category.

9. Emma Jacobs
Emma Jacobs (Caitlin Carver) proved to be a source of immediate irritation upon her arrival as a temporary paramedic in Season 11, filling in for Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer). Her ambition quickly manifested as a calculated attempt to permanently secure her position by undermining Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and making her appear incompetent. Jacobs’ manipulative tendencies reached a peak when she discovered Violet’s romantic involvement with Hawkins (Jimmy Nicholas) and attempted to blackmail them. Although she refrained from directly endangering lives, her blatant opportunism and demonstrable lack of professional competence made her a highly unwelcome presence. Her underhanded tactics and poor performance reinforced the audience’s desire for her swift departure from the ambulance bay.

8. Jimmy Borelli
Jimmy Borelli (Steven R. McQueen) is a character whose journey often elicits mixed feelings, yet his actions ultimately cemented his place on this list. Initially not presented as a villain, Borelli’s extended tenure on the show saw him become an increasing source of friction within Firehouse 51. His frequent clashes with Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker) culminated in a tragic incident where Borelli, defying direct orders, suffered a career-ending injury. The tension intensified when he unfairly blamed Boden for the death of his brother, further isolating him from his colleagues. While not inherently malicious, Borelli’s grief and stubbornness led him down a path of reckless decisions and insubordination, ultimately portraying him as a character whose judgment and actions significantly hampered the team and earned him considerable fan disfavor.

7. Keith Bamford
Keith Bamford (Chris McKenna) had a brief and largely unpopular stint at Firehouse 51 in Season 11, serving as a temporary replacement for Kelly Severide. From the outset, Bamford failed to connect with the team, and his attempts to contribute often resulted in awkward and ineffective moments. His most egregious offense, however, came with an insensitive joke directed at Cindy Herrmann (Robyn Coffin), the beloved wife of Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg), who was battling cancer at the time. This comment, delivered during a period of profound vulnerability for the Herrmann family, showcased a severe lack of empathy and judgment. The profound disrespect inherent in his words was unforgivable to both the characters and the audience, making his eventual dismissal a moment of collective relief and one of the few positive contributions he made to the show.

6. Tara Little
Tara Little (Brooke Nevin) joined Firehouse 51 in its inaugural season, initially appearing competent, but her true manipulative nature quickly surfaced. Her most damaging act was falsely accusing Severide of misconduct, triggering a rigorous investigation that threatened to ruin his career and reputation. This accusation forced Severide to endure a grueling process to clear his name, causing significant professional and personal distress. Little eventually confessed that her fabricated allegations were a cynical ploy to advance her own career as a medic. By then, her credibility within the firehouse was irreparably shattered, rendering her untrustworthy. Although no lives were directly jeopardized, her willingness to sacrifice a colleague’s career for personal gain was a profound betrayal of trust, securing her a spot on this list of despised characters.

5. Hank Voight
Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), a central figure in the One Chicago universe, debuted on Chicago Fire in an undeniably villainous capacity. His initial arc involved attempting to coerce Lieutenant Matt Casey into excusing his son from a DUI charge. When Casey steadfastly refused to compromise his integrity, Voight escalated his tactics, issuing severe threats against both Casey and his fiancée, Gabriela Dawson (Monica Raymund). The most shocking development came in Season 1, Episode 1, “Rear View Mirror,” where Voight actually attempted to murder Casey, a respected member of the city’s fire department. While Voight has since undergone a complex transformation into an anti-hero on Chicago P.D., serving time for his transgressions, his egregious actions on Chicago Fire remain a stark reminder of his detestable and corrupt origins, making him a divisive figure for many viewers even years later.

4. Ray Riddle
District Deputy Chief Ray Riddle (Fredric Lehne) presented a particularly frustrating adversary for Firehouse 51, embodying the bureaucratic red tape and political maneuvering that often complicates the lives of first responders. Riddle harbored a significant personal and professional animosity towards Chief Boden and the entire Firehouse 51 team. His schemes culminated in Boden’s temporary dismissal, replacing him with a more compliant chief who would enforce his oppressive directives. This storyline, which unfolded in Season 4, highlighted the immense pressure faced by the firehouse from within their own department. Ultimately, Boden was reinstated, and the most satisfying resolution for fans came when Riddle was transferred to a less prestigious assignment, forced to work at airports in the wake of his failed attempts to dismantle Firehouse 51, a satisfying dose of karma for his underhanded tactics.

3. Jerry Gorsch
Jerry Gorsch (Steven Boyer), the Assistant Deputy Commissioner in Seasons 7 and 8, was a harbinger of bad news from his first appearance. His primary objective was to drastically cut the budget of Firehouse 51, consistently pushing for the purchase of cheap, substandard equipment that directly compromised the safety and lives of the firefighters. Gorsch epitomized the detached bureaucrat with no understanding of the realities of frontline firefighting, which alone made him unlikable. However, his villainy deepened dramatically when it was uncovered that he was also actively embezzling money from the very department he was meant to oversee. His dual transgressions—endangering lives through neglect and illegally profiting from his position—solidified his status as one of Chicago Fire’s most contemptible characters, a truly despicable figure driven by greed and indifference.

2. Trenton Lamont
Trenton Lamont (Robert Knepper) stands out as a genuinely sinister and deeply disturbing antagonist in Chicago Fire. A ruthless serial arsonist, Lamont was responsible for widespread destruction, countless fires, and numerous civilian casualties. Beyond his direct criminal acts, his methods were particularly chilling: he would steal victims’ identities and use his unassuming presence to stalk members of Firehouse 51, with Gabriela Dawson being a frequent target. His alarming interest in the tragic death of Leslie Shay (Lauren German) in Season 3 further amplified his sleazy and malevolent nature, preying on a sensitive and painful memory for both the characters and the audience. The profound sense of relief and justice was palpable when Lamont finally met his demise, shot and killed by Dawson’s brother and Chicago P.D. star, Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda), bringing a violent but necessary end to his reign of terror.

1. Grant Smith
Grant Smith (Guy Burnet), Stella Kidd’s (Miranda Rae Mayo) ex-husband, is arguably the most abhorrent character ever to grace Chicago Fire. His storyline was fraught with intense emotional trauma, showcasing a history of severe abuse against Stella during their marriage. Even after their separation, Smith continued to torment her, culminating in a horrific incident where he attacked her with a knife. What made Smith particularly loathsome was not just his violent actions, but his apparent relish in inflicting psychological pain on Stella. His reappearance consistently destabilized her life and even played a significant role in a brief breakup between Stella and Kelly Severide, highlighting the lingering, destructive power of his presence. Grant Smith embodied pure, unadulterated toxicity, leaving a trail of emotional devastation and making him the universally despised top villain of the series.

The introduction of these “disliked” characters, while often frustrating, is instrumental to the dramatic fabric of Chicago Fire. They challenge the heroes, expose vulnerabilities, force difficult moral choices, and ultimately highlight the resilience and unwavering bond of Firehouse 51. Their presence, however unwelcome, enriches the series, ensuring that Chicago Fire remains a compelling and character-driven drama that resonates deeply with its audience.