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

Chapter 67

10 minutes later, when Severide and Hermann make their way to Matt's office:
Matt's POV: As I wait for Severide to come join me in my office, I get a list of things that I want him to take care of as my new captain. I also make a list of things I want him and Hermann to split up. Most importantly, I want them to be my buffer when it comes to squad and fire furlough requests. They are going to track how many furlough days each of their men have left and are going to be the ones to do the pre-approval requests. I will only supervise that process.

Coming in, Severide looks at me and smiles. "You wanted to see us Chief?" I then looked up at my Captains and smiled. "First things first, sit down gentlemen and close the door." They both nodded and sat down. "Before we begin. Congratulations once again Severide, you are going to be very useful to me as a new captain." Severide nodded and agreed. "Now, to your new tasks. As you both know, I do not like being here longer than I have to be considering 3 kids and all." They both nodded and understood what I meant.

"So here is what is going to happen. I am going to start taking the nights at home and I am going to do 12-hour shifts instead of 24-hour shifts. That means that you both will have to carry the weight each night. I am going to go home to help Gabby." Hermann nodded and understood. "That's a good idea Matt." I smiled and agreed. "Okay, next part. Furlough requests. As you both know, I have already assigned that to Hermann." Hermann nodded. "Yeah, I need updated totals from you Severide for you men anyways."

I shook my head when he said that. "Don't bother about that. You both are going to share that responsibility. Hermann, you are going to take care of it for Truck 81 and Engine 51." Severide nodded and agreed. "Oh and I am letting you know that I am going to be off on March 1st-8th. Gabby is getting her tubes tied on March 2nd." Hermann then stared at me and smiled. "Of course you are going to take that time off. Just makes sense." I smiled. "Now, I am going to try and put in for a chief to come in to replace me. But, I will instruct him to let you guys be."

They both nodded. "And last but not least. I already booked a second vacation this year. I am gone August 25th to September 5th for Matteo's 2nd birthday and my wedding anniversary." They both smiled when I said that. "Well that will be fun and of course you can take that time off." I looked at Hermann when he said that. "Last time I checked, I didn't have to ask you Hermann. I am your chief, not one of your candidates or anybody. Now Severide, you are going to be able to act more independently as Captain but....you still respond to me is that okay?"

Severide nodded and agreed with me. "That sounds fine. You are my chief after all." I laughed when he said that. "Damn straight I am. Now, go get your men in line and get Cruz for me. You're okay with that choice right?" Severide nodded and smiled. "It was either him or Capp." I laughed. "Cruz has been here longer. Being Lieutenant comes with a raise. So, I chose him considering he has 3 kids. Oh and by the way Severide, I expect you to be my squad captain here for a few years before you even think about becoming a chief at another house."

Severide laughed and agreed with me. "I agree. Anyways, Stella is not going to want to leave Gabby." I nodded. "By the way, I am not changing my mind about her planned return to the firehouse. If she wants to return March 1st, she is either on Ambo or at OFI. She is not returning to truck until at least May. I want her to stay off until the end of winter. I am not having her fire few weeks under me be during some of the harshest weather we see here each year." Severide smiled and nodded. "That's very considerate of you." I agreed. "Get me Cruz please."

Severide nodded and agreed while he walked away. Meanwhile, I went to check my e-mails.