On-screen, Gabriela Dawson and Sylvie Brett made an unforgettable duo — ambulance partners, roommates, and two of Firehouse 51’s most beloved characters. Off-screen, Monica Raymund and Kara Killmer seemed just as close, often giving Chicago Fire fans a peek into their fun, candid friendship. But where do things stand between the two actresses today?
From Scene Partners to Real-Life Friends
When Monica Raymund and Kara Killmer shared the screen during their overlapping time on Chicago Fire, it wasn’t just compelling television — it was also the start of what appeared to be a genuine off-screen friendship. Killmer’s Instagram was often filled with photos and videos from set, many of which featured her and Raymund laughing, dancing, and celebrating each other.
One memorable post showed them channeling Beyoncé’s “Formation” alongside fellow castmate Eamonn Walker. Another was a birthday tribute where Killmer captioned a sweet pic, “What are we going to do today, Brain? … Celebrate Monica Raymund!” Their playful chemistry made it easy to believe the bond between Brett and Dawson extended far beyond the ambulance bay.
The Nature of TV Friendships: Close On Set, Distant Off Set
The demands of working on a long-running series like Chicago Fire naturally foster close relationships. In an interview with Mind Your Body TV, Killmer explained, “We spend about 12 to 16 hours a day together every day, so you kinda have to become friends.” She added that she, Raymund, and co-star Miranda Rae Mayo were particularly tight during their shared time on the show, often supporting one another as the core female cast.
But like many on-set friendships, their closeness may have faded with time and distance. When Raymund left Chicago Fire in 2019 to pursue other creative opportunities — and relocate to Los Angeles — she was intentionally stepping away from the grueling production schedule that had kept her tied to Chicago. Meanwhile, Killmer remained a staple on the series for several more seasons, until her own departure in early 2024.
Different Paths, Shared Legacy
Since her exit from Chicago Fire, Raymund has carved out a bold new career as both an actress and a director. She starred in the Starz crime drama Hightown and has become a sought-after director, recently helming multiple episodes of Dexter: Original Sin and Dexter: Resurrection.
Killmer, on the other hand, has kept her next steps more open-ended. In her 2024 exit interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she shared that she was exploring new roles and eager to take her career in fresh directions — while also remaining open to returning to the One Chicago universe if the timing and story were right.
Will We See a Raymund-Killmer Reunion?
Though their social media presence together has slowed and they now live on opposite coasts, the admiration between Kara Killmer and Monica Raymund hasn’t disappeared. Whether or not they remain in regular contact, their chemistry helped define an era of Chicago Fire, and fans would be thrilled to see them share the screen again — whether in Chicago, Los Angeles, or somewhere entirely new.
One thing’s for sure: the Chicago Fire sisterhood runs deep, and even as their careers evolve, the legacy of Dawson and Brett lives on in the hearts of fans everywhere.
