Kelly Severide is a firefighter and company officer for the second shift of Rescue Squad 3. Severide was previously known as a "ladies man", but has recently become more than that, with his character development and stable relationship. He is portrayed by Taylor Kinney. Severide has many ex-girlfriends and flings; however, the only relationships that seem to last are friendships, like those with his best friend Leslie Shay , his half-siblings Katie Nolan and fellow firefighter Jack Damon.
He is also close friends Matt Casey. Recently, however, he has maintained a steady and healthy relationship with Stella Kidd. When he was ten, his father walked out on the family, leaving Kelly with abandonment issues. Kelly is dedicated to his position in Rescue Squad 3 and is proud to be there, happy that he did not need the help of his father to get where he is today.
Severide and Casey are still dealing with the death of fellow firefighter and mutual friend, Andy , and there's tension between Truck 81 and Squad 3 regarding the situation - Severide blames Casey for letting Andy go into the building while Casey blames Severide for not warning them about the vents which caused the explosion. During this time, Severide is suffering from an injury sustained in the fatal fire. He makes an appointment, where the doctor tells him that they will need to operate and he won't be able to work for a year.
He ignores the instructions, the doctor warning him the pain and injury will worsen, but he refuses to have surgery. Shay , his best friend and roommate helps him when he asks for stronger painkillers by taking them from the ambulance. Eventually, the pain worsens and he asks for more, but she tells him to stop being stubborn and get the surgery.
He turns to an old girlfriend instead, who gets him much stronger and illegal medication. He keeps taking them until a drug test is ordered on all the firefighters after a case they work on. He tries to delay the test but is unable to do so. Shay eventually helps him out by providing a false sample for testing.
