From renowned Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf (Law & Order series) and co-creator Derek Haas, the writer behind 3:10 to Yuma, comes season nine of the high-octane drama Chicago Fire, an edge-of-your-seat view look at the lives of everyday folks committed to some of America’s most demanding professions. The firefighters, rescue squad and paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51 risk their lives week in and week out to save and protect the communities they’re connected to.

The family inside Firehouse 51 knows no other way than to lay it all on the line for each other. Capt. Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) leads the Truck Company and brash Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) runs the Rescue Squad.

The firehouse also includes Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), a fireman’s fireman. As chief of 51, Boden keeps his house running smoothly and his firefighters prepared to overcome all adversity. Paramedic Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) returns alongside seasoned veterans Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and Randy “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte) as well as resourceful firefighter Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo).

Completing the team are dependable squad member Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso), daredevil Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende), engine newbie Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), and the newest addition, paramedic Gianna Mackey (Adriyan Rae) who was recently signed on as a series regular. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Adriyan and Daniel to talk the new season, as well as the significance of representing first responders of color. Chicago Fire returns Wednesday, January 13 at 9/8c.