Chief Casey Season 1: Chicago's Newest Chief (Dawsey)

Chapter 4

Matt's POV: An hour after my speech inside the firehouse, we had just made my appointment as the Chief of Firehouse 51 official with a ceremony in the driveway. With everybody about to leave, I then looked at the commissioner and then nodded. "Everybody, please sit down. This ceremony for my appointment has been completed. However, I would please like you to remain for the next ceremony. I was not here for this and this has to be completed by a Chief. Everybody then nodded and went to sit down." I then turned to look at Connie who came up and gave me the shadow box with an American Flag inside as well as Boden's medals and Badge.

Walking up to the mic, I looked at them all. "I would please like to invite the guests of honor for this part of the ceremony. Donna and Terrence Boden." Everybody then went to get up and clapped as they walked over to me. "Matt, what's happening?" I then smiled at her. "Donna, your husband. Terrence, your father...he has served the citizens of Chicago for over 40 years as a Candidate, a Firefighter, a Lieutenant, a Captain and a Chief. Donna, I want to give you this. This was the flag that was flying on top of Firehouse 51 on the day Wallace died."

Donna then stared at it and then nodded. "Terrence. In the box are all the medals your father won. And included in the box is his badge. I made sure that you get the original. We made a copy and it is at the CFD Headquarters alongside those of Andy Darden, Leslie Shay and Brian Zvonchek." They all nodded and smiled as Donna came to hug me. I then smiled as I held her. "Now, I didn't participate in this when I was here for the funeral and I am so sorry. So, I would like to have a do over as I do my first salute as Chief.  Firehouse 51 please stand for Boden." Once they were all standing (including Gabby, Sylvie, Antonio, my mom, Christie and Violet), I began the traditional funeral salute for fallen officers. "ON GUARD!" Everybody then looked at me and knew I needed to do this as I grieved for Boden.

Donna and Terrence then turned to look at everybody. "SALUTE!" I then looked at Donna. "Chief Boden has responded to his last call on this earth. Let he rest in piece and look over all of us for the rest of his time in heaven." I then looked at everybody. "You can go sit down Donna." Donna then nodded as she went to sit down. "I want to say a few words since I didn't have the courage or strength to do so at the funeral. But first, I want to say this. We all have memories of Chief Boden. I want you all to cherish them. To remember them and to...." That's when we started to hear the bells go off. I sighed and shook my head.

"And it's back to reality. Firehouse 51, let's get to work. I then walked over to Gabby and smiled as I went to kiss her and the kids softly. "Stay safe. I will be back later for supper." I nodded and agreed with Gabby before smiling. "I will see you tonight okay Matteo. Be a good boy for mommy. Can you help Donna and Terrence get his things and leave?" Gabby nodded and agreed. "Stay safe and don't let this be goodbye." I smiled and nodded while running away to go to my first call as Chief, this time for real.