NBC’s Chicago Fire has seen its fair share of memorable characters come and go, but few exits were as impactful as that of Monica Raymund’s Gabby Dawson. Introduced in Season 1, Gabby quickly became a fan favorite, juggling her roles as a paramedic and later as a firefighter at Firehouse 51. However, her departure in Season 6 left a lasting mark on the show and its audience.
Here’s a closer look at why Gabby left Chicago Fire and how her character’s story unfolded.
Gabby Dawson’s Journey on Chicago Fire
Gabby Dawson debuted as the paramedic in charge of Ambulance 61. Over the seasons, her tenacity, compassion, and bravery propelled her into a firefighter role, cementing her status as a core member of Firehouse 51.
Gabby’s personal life was equally compelling. Her relationship with Matthew Casey was a focal point of the series, filled with highs and lows. The two finally acted on their feelings in Season 2, and by Season 4, their love story reached a pivotal moment when Gabby became pregnant. Tragically, their joy was short-lived when Gabby suffered a miscarriage, a devastating event that unfolded in a crossover episode with Chicago Med.
The couple’s desire to become parents led them to attempt adopting a boy named Louie, whom Gabby had rescued. However, heartbreak struck again when Louie was placed with his biological father. When doctors informed Gabby that her chances of conceiving again were slim—and attempting a pregnancy could endanger her health—it created tension in her marriage. Gabby’s determination to try, despite the risks, clashed with Matt’s concerns, straining their relationship.
Why Did Gabby Leave Chicago Fire?
Gabby’s departure came in the Season 6 finale when Chief Hatcher offered her the chance to volunteer in Puerto Rico to assist with hurricane relief efforts. At first, she hesitated to leave Chicago, but ongoing disagreements with Matt about their future pushed her to take the opportunity. Gabby decided to move to Puerto Rico, ending her time at Firehouse 51.
Behind the scenes, Monica Raymund’s exit was a creative decision. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Raymund explained that her contract had ended, and she wanted to pursue diverse roles and new challenges.
Gabby’s Brief Returns to the Show
Although Gabby officially exited in Season 6, she made two notable cameo appearances that added depth to her story.
In Season 7, Gabby returned to Firehouse 51 to gather her belongings before moving to Puerto Rico permanently. During this visit, she invited Matt to join her, but he declined, affirming his commitment to Chicago.
Her second return came in Season 8, Episode 9, when she attended a two-day fundraiser in Chicago. The pair briefly reconnected, even attending the event together. However, their relationship officially ended during this visit, paving the way for Matt to later marry Sylvie Brett in Season 12.
Gabby Dawson’s Legacy on Chicago Fire
Despite her departure, Gabby Dawson remains a cherished character among Chicago Fire fans. Her resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her job left a lasting impression on Firehouse 51 and the show’s viewers.
Gabby’s exit was handled thoughtfully, allowing her to leave on her own terms while keeping the door open for potential returns. Her story also helped introduce Sylvie Brett, who stepped into Gabby’s role as Ambulance 61’s paramedic and became a pivotal character in her own right.
Monica Raymund’s decision to leave Chicago Fire may have saddened fans, but her contributions to the series continue to be celebrated. For those missing Gabby’s presence, her legacy lives on in the hearts of viewers and the Firehouse 51 crew.
