After being severely shot in the season finale, firefighter Doherty fights pain and fear when he returns to the station a bit prematurely for a full day of emergencies, but he can't admit to himself that his physical weakness prevents him from peak performance -- and his stubborn pride just might get himself and other fire personnel killed. Meanwhile, a reserved female firefighter (guest star Amy Carlson) transfers in under a cloud of suspicion after she previously charged a popular fireman with sexual harassment.