Chicago Fire’s Alberto Rosende Is ‘Proud’ of His Time on the Show but Says ‘It Wasn’t Easy’ to Leave

Chicago Fire’s Alberto Rosende Is ‘Proud’ of His Time on the Show but Says ‘It Wasn’t Easy’ to Leave
Alberto Rosende is keeping Chicago Fire close to his heart after leaving the series.

The actor, who has played firefighter Blake Gallo since season 8, revealed last week that he’s leaving the NBC series and will make his final appearance in the show’s season 12 premiere in January.

Opening up about the change in an Instagram Story on Saturday, the 30-year-old actor spoke briefly about his time on the series — as well as how “proud” he is of the work he’s done through the project.

“When I decided to end my time with Chicago, it wasn’t easy,” Rosende wrote, according to Deadline. “The people I met were truly special, the friendships I made will last a lifetime, and the story I got to tell is one I’m proud of.”

“I’m really looking forward to what’s to come, and I wish everyone the best of luck as they film the rest of the season,” Rosende added.

Chicago Fire star Kara Killmer will leave the series during the season Rosende joined the hit drama in its eighth season, playing new Firehouse 51 recruit Blake Gallo. The character’s four-season storyline included an on-screen romance with Hanako Greensmith’s Violet Mikami. But before a romance blossomed between them, Rosende wasn’t sure if love was in the cards for the two characters, especially considering Violet’s romantic relationship with Jimmy Nicholas’ Evan Hawkins, who died in the season 11 episode “Completely Shattered.”

Rosende said in October 2022 that “The relationship between Hawkins and Violet was really a beautiful thing to see,” according to Looper. “If something happened to them, I think the audience would be devastated. So I don’t know what could happen [when they split]. In terms of her and Gallo, they’re in a place where they’re in this in-between place and they both need to continue to grow and evolve. Nothing is impossible.”

Heading into season 12, Rosende’s departure isn’t the only change on Firehouse 51. PEOPLE confirmed last month that Kara Killmer — who has played paramedic Sylvie Brett since season 3 — will also be leaving the series in season 12. However, Taylor Kinney will make her long-awaited return as Lt. Kelly Severide in season 12. His return comes after PEOPLE confirmed in January that Kinney, 42, is taking a leave of absence to “deal with a personal matter.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to fascinating people stories.