Onscreen Partners, Offscreen Pals
In Chicago Fire, Gabriela Dawson and Sylvie Brett were more than just paramedic partners — they were roommates, confidantes, and best friends navigating the high-stakes world of first responders. But how did that relationship translate when the cameras stopped rolling?
As it turns out, Kara Killmer (Sylvie Brett) and Monica Raymund (Gabriela Dawson) had a genuine friendship behind the scenes. Their bond didn’t just fuel their on-screen chemistry — it thrived on real-life laughs, long workdays, and mutual admiration.
A Social Media Love Letter
The best evidence of their offscreen camaraderie? Kara Killmer’s Instagram feed from their shared time on Chicago Fire. Fans who followed her during the early seasons of the show were treated to behind-the-scenes gold: goofy videos, playful tributes, and heartfelt shoutouts that showed just how close the two actresses were.
In one standout post, Raymund channels her inner Harry Potter nerd, dressed as Hermione Granger on set — with Killmer capturing the moment. In another, they pose with Chicago Fire co-star Eamonn Walker in a Formation-inspired group shot. Their joy was palpable.
When Raymund announced her departure from the show, it was Killmer who marked the moment with a sweet and silly birthday post: “What are we going to do today, Brain? … Celebrate Monica Raymund!” she captioned a photo of them arm-in-arm, referencing Pinky and the Brain in a clear nod to their fun-loving dynamic.
Working Hard, Bonding Harder
As Kara Killmer once explained in an interview with Mind Your Body TV, it’s hard not to grow close to your castmates when you spend 12 to 16 hours a day together on set. “You kinda have to become friends,” she joked.
But her friendship with Raymund — along with Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd) — went beyond proximity. The trio became a tight-knit circle within the Chicago Fire cast. They weren’t just co-workers; they were a support system during the grueling production days and emotional story arcs the series is known for.
Life After Firehouse 51
Despite the deep connection they built on set, time and distance eventually played their part. After leaving Chicago Fire in 2018, Monica Raymund relocated to Los Angeles, citing the desire to pursue new creative ventures and build a different life on the West Coast.
Meanwhile, Killmer remained in Chicago with the series until her exit in early 2024. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she revealed that she was looking forward to new opportunities and auditioning for a variety of roles. While she left the door open to return to the One Chicago universe someday, her time in Brett’s shoes was officially wrapped — at least for now.
The physical distance between Raymund and Killmer — not to mention their demanding schedules — naturally created a bit of drift. While they’re no longer filling each other’s Instagram stories, that doesn’t mean the friendship has vanished. It’s simply evolved with time and circumstance.
Could a Reunion Be on the Horizon?
Since parting ways with Chicago Fire, both actresses have flourished in new directions. Raymund has taken the lead on Hightown and directed episodes of Law & Order: SVU and the upcoming Dexter: Original Sin. Killmer, meanwhile, is exploring new creative territory after nearly a decade as Sylvie Brett.
Fans, of course, are already dreaming of a reunion — whether it be a surprise cameo on Chicago Fire, a new project altogether, or even a cheeky social media throwback. The truth is, once you’ve forged that kind of bond in the pressure cooker of TV drama, it never truly disappears.
Final Call
From the ambulance to the red carpet, Kara Killmer and Monica Raymund’s friendship has been a quiet but meaningful force in the world of Chicago Fire. They may not post as many selfies as they once did, but the legacy of their partnership — both fictional and real — still burns bright for fans.
And who knows? In Hollywood, you never say never.
