Matthew Casey is one of the main characters in Chicago Fire. He is also a natural leader, with a promising future in politics. He ruffles feathers throughout the show but sticks to his guns and makes for some riveting viewing. He also isn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. Here are 10 things viewers might not know about the well-loved character, Matthew Casey.
Unlucky in Love
When the series begins, Matthew is in a relationship with Hallie Thomas. The relationship is so good the two get engaged, but they soon break up shortly after.
Later in the series, Hallie returns to the action when she gets back from a long trip. She and Matthew get back together. However, as fate would have it, she falls victim to a fire in the clinic where she works and later dies from her injuries. Poor Matt. This lesson in love is enough to shake even the toughest of firefighters.
A Natural Leader
Matthew's leadership abilities are recognized by others in the series. He is the captain of Truck Company 81, heading all three shifts, and that's a commendable achievement.
He is specifically assigned to the section, Firehouse 51. This is a big task but one which he handles with candor and relative success. It is suggested challenges of the past have helped create in him a leader with a successful track record.
He Grew Up With A Single Mother
Matthew has all the bravado of a man's man, so it comes as a surprise learning that he was brought up by his mom Nancy. His dad Gregory is deceased. The strong firefighter, however, shows nothing of being brought up by just a woman and is adept at all things that relate to being a guy. He is tough, determined, and definitely not a sissie! What's more, he is also the 'little brother' of the family. As the only boy in the family, he has a big sister whose name is Christie.
He is a Good Friend
When Heather is in a car crash and her best friend is killed, she must stay for a year and a half in prison. Matthew willingly obliges to look after her children during this period.
He is helped by Gabriela. The boys aren't easy to work with, but Matthew shows himself to be a good father. When Heather is released early from prison, she takes the boys with her even though they have grown close to Matt. Another heartbreak for our fire hero.
He Doesn't Take Things Lying Down
When Matthew's fiancé Hallie dies from injuries incurred by a fire at the clinic where she works, he doesn't take the news lying down.
Perhaps it is his love for her or the inner firefighter inside of him, but he makes up his mind to find out exactly what happened behind the fire which, in his opinion, occurred under suspicious circumstances. He is backed by his friend Antonio, who determines to help him, even helping him speak with the head of the clinic to find out exactly what is going on. The clinic staff refuse to co-operate, and the pair eventually find themselves having to let the whole thing go.
He is Well-spoken
Viewers will recall the episode in which a tornado sweeps through Chicago and Matthew and his team attend to the scene of destruction. Matthew helps many at the scene, securing their place in a homeless shelter, with the view of recovery. He is then encouraged by the state Alderman of Chicago to say and give a speech for the press to spearhead donations towards the cause of supporting the tornado victims.
Matthew rises to the occasion with much success, proving himself to be a man who is not just good looking, but is also gifted in intelligence and eloquence. Through his speech and efforts, he helps to raise thousands of dollars.
He is a Natural Politician
When Matthew realizes the Alderman has been using the money he has helped to raise for tornado victims for his own selfish purposes, he is angered. The result is he decides to step up as a politician himself, perhaps as a means to gain clarity and justice in the situation he has just experienced with misuse of money.
He very quickly realizes this isn't easy work and falls victim to others trying to smear his name. Still, he puts up a strong fight. When he is called 'weak' by an opponent, he decided he won't take anything lying down. It is only when he risks his life saving a mechanic that he is caught on camera and the media's feature of the heroic save puts him in such a good light that he wins the title of Alderman.
He Isn't Afraid To Be Real
What viewers most love about Matthew Casey is that he isn't afraid to show his humanity. This means that he slips up at times. It also means he is comfortable with his emotions and freely expresses himself.
Who can forget his memorable line to Griffin Darden when he reassures him that it is okay to cry. His explanation: "I have". He also asks Gabby what is wrong with him depending on her with everything he has, since he loves her.
He's a Creature of Habit
Some fans might not have realized that Matthew wears the same jacket for four seasons straight! That's right... he never changes it. Perhaps this is one of the ways that directors of the show demonstrate his steadfast character and immovable ethics and determination... or maybe it's just easier on the wardrobe department. That's up to viewers to decide!
Others Attest To His Steadfast Character
Matthew Casey is a man whom both women and men respect. This often puts him at odds with those who would compete with him. However, it also ensures he enjoys a steadfast increase in terms of career and relationship, going from strength to strength in the professional arena, but also enjoying good relationships, such as those with gabby and Sev, or Kelly Severide. Severide says of his friend to the chief that Matthew is one of the finest firefighters that he has ever had the opportunity to work with.