Few characters in the One Chicago universe left as deep an impression as Gabriela “Gabby” Dawson. Played by Monica Raymund, Gabby was an anchor of Chicago Fire from the very beginning, her presence shaping the emotional core of Firehouse 51 for six full seasons. She was strong, passionate, and fiercely loyal — whether responding to calls in the ambo, clashing with superiors, or navigating her complicated but heartfelt relationship with Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer).
That’s why her departure still stings, years later.
The Highs and Lows of Gabby’s Journey
Gabby’s storyline in Season 6 was one of her most emotional. On the one hand, she proudly watched her husband Casey earn the rank of captain. On the other, she and Casey faced heartbreak when the biological father of their foster son won custody, forcing the couple to give him up.
For Casey, the loss was devastating — his lifelong dream of fatherhood ripped away. For Gabby, it became a breaking point. Seeking a fresh start and a way to heal, she made the difficult choice to leave Chicago for Puerto Rico. And, in time, she decided she wanted a divorce, officially ending one of the show’s most defining romances.
A Brief Return — and Goodbye for Good
Fans held out hope that Gabby might one day return, and for a fleeting moment in Season 8, it seemed possible. In the episode “Best Friend Magic,” Gabby surprised Casey by reappearing in Chicago and inviting him to join her in Puerto Rico. The reunion stirred up old feelings, but Casey ultimately chose to stay in Chicago — a decision that foreshadowed his later move to Portland for the Darden boys.
Gabby returned to Puerto Rico alone, marking her last on-screen appearance to date.
Monica Raymund’s Decision
Behind the scenes, Raymund’s exit was driven by a personal and professional desire to grow. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, she explained that her six-year contract was coming to an end and she was eager to explore new roles and experiences outside of the One Chicago umbrella.
“I’m not sure the exact moment when it happened, but I knew that my six-year contract was coming to an end and I felt like I was hungry to explore a different role, a different story,” Raymund said. “I wanted to explore a different world.”
Since leaving Chicago Fire, Raymund has gone on to star in Hightown on Starz, among other projects — but her mark on the One Chicago universe remains indelible.
Why Fans Still Miss Gabby
Unlike some character exits that feel final, Gabby’s departure has always felt like unfinished business. She wasn’t killed off, and her deep ties to Casey, Sylvie Brett, and the rest of Firehouse 51 keep her memory alive in ongoing storylines.
Even now, as the show moves into its 14th season, fans continue to speculate about whether Monica Raymund might reprise the role, even for just a cameo. While no official plans have been announced, the door has never fully closed.
And maybe that’s why Gabby’s absence still feels like an open wound: she’s gone, but not forgotten — and always just one return away from sparking the Chicago Fire fandom all over again.
