Another familiar face is saying goodbye to Chicago Fire. Alberto Rosende, who has played firefighter Blake Gallo since season 8, will be departing Firehouse 51 during season 12. His exit marks yet another major shake-up for the NBC hit, which is also losing Kara Killmer’s Sylvie Brett.
Blake Gallo’s Journey at Firehouse 51
Rosende first joined the cast in 2019 as the daring and reckless new firefighter candidate. Over time, Gallo grew into a trusted member of the crew, forming deep friendships with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri). His mix of energy, loyalty, and impulsiveness made him a standout presence in the firehouse family.
After five years, fans will now brace for how the show plans to write him out.
Kara Killmer’s Departure Adds to the Shake-Up
The announcement comes just weeks after Kara Killmer confirmed she would also be leaving Chicago Fire. Killmer has played paramedic Sylvie Brett since season 3, appearing in nearly 200 episodes across the One Chicago franchise.
Her character’s storyline has been a rollercoaster in recent years. After Captain Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) left for Oregon, Brett and Casey’s romance seemed doomed—until he returned in the season 11 finale with a marriage proposal. Now, speculation is running wild that Brett’s exit will be tied directly to her answer.
Taylor Kinney Returns Amid Cast Exits
While Rosende and Killmer prepare to exit, season 12 also brings some good news for longtime viewers: Taylor Kinney will reprise his role as Lieutenant Kelly Severide. After taking a leave midway through season 11, Kinney’s character is expected to return early in the new season.
Cast Changes Across the One Chicago Universe
The cast shake-ups aren’t limited to Chicago Fire. Over on Chicago PD, Tracy Spiridakos (Detective Hailey Upton) will also depart during season 11, following the earlier exit of Jesse Lee Soffer’s Jay Halstead. Meanwhile, Chicago Med is welcoming Luke Mitchell (Neighbours, Big Sky) as Dr. Mitch Ripley, a new emergency doctor with a complicated past and a connection to Dr. Charles (Oliver Platt).
What’s Next for Firehouse 51?
With Gallo and Brett both departing in season 12, Chicago Fire faces one of its biggest cast transitions yet. How the series handles these exits—and whether Casey’s proposal leads to a heartfelt farewell—remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: fans should prepare for emotional goodbyes when the series returns.
