Chicago P.D. Cast Breaks Down in Tears Over LaRoyce Hawkins’ Final Goodbye
Chicago P.D. Says Goodbye to Officer Atwater After 13 Seasons
What’s Happening with Chicago P.D. Season 14?
Chicago P.D. is coming back for its 14th season on Wednesday, October 7 (airing at 10/9c on NBC). But this season brings a big change: one of the original cast members is leaving the show.
Important Point: LaRoyce Hawkins, who has played Officer Kevin Atwater since the very first episode, is departing the series after 13 seasons.
Who Is Leaving and Why?
LaRoyce Hawkins’ Final Episodes
- Hawkins is only returning for 2–3 episodes in Season 14
- These episodes will wrap up Atwater’s storyline
- He finished filming his final scenes on August 14
A Heartfelt Send-Off
The cast and crew celebrated Hawkins’ departure with a big celebration:
| Date | Event | Who Was There |
|---|---|---|
| August 14 | Official wrap celebration at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios | Sheila R. Brown (CineCares Foundation) posted videos/photos |
| August 15 | Cast goodbye party shared by Marina Squerciati | Current & former cast members gathered |
Celebration attendees included:
- Marina Squerciati (Officer Kim Burgess)
- Jason Beghe (Sergeant Hank Voight)
- Former stars: Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton) & Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead)
- Chicago Fire crossover: Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd)
- Newer cast: Arienne Mandi & Benjamin Levy Aguilar
How Will Atwater Leave the Show?
What We Know So Far
- Announced July 2 that Hawkins would exit in Season 14
- Not being killed off – door stays open for future returns
- Likely connected to Atwater becoming a father with Officer Tasha Fox (played by Karen Obilom)
Why This Makes Sense
- Last season proved returning characters work well (Soffer & Spiridakos in the three-show crossover)
- A family-focused exit fits Atwater’s character growth
- Keeps the door open for guest appearances
Timeline of Events
- July 2 – News breaks: Hawkins leaving in Season 14
- Early August – Season 14 filming begins
- August 14 – Hawkins films final episode; wrap celebration held
- August 15 – Cast shares goodbye photos on social media
- October 7 – Season 14 premieres on NBC (Atwater’s final episodes air)
What This Means for the Show
Important Point: Atwater has been part of the Intelligence Unit since Day 1. His departure marks the end of an era for the original cast.
But don’t worry! The show has successfully handled exits before:
- Jesse Lee Soffer (Halstead) left but returned for crossover
- Tracy Spiridakos (Upton) exited but came back
- The One Chicago universe loves bringing back familiar faces
Summary
Chicago P.D. Season 14 kicks off on October 7 with a bittersweet milestone: LaRoyce Hawkins says goodbye to Officer Kevin Atwater after 13 seasons. He’ll appear in 2–3 final episodes to give Atwater a proper send-off – likely tied to becoming a dad with Tasha Fox. The cast celebrated his wrap with a huge party including former stars, and the show is not killing him off, meaning Atwater could return someday. It’s the end of an era, but the Intelligence Unit marches on!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
When does Chicago P.D. Season 14 premiere?
Wednesday, October 7 at 10/9c on NBC.
How many episodes will LaRoyce Hawkins be in?
Only 2–3 episodes – just enough to wrap up Atwater’s story.
Is Officer Atwater being killed off?
No! The show is not killing him off. His exit will likely involve him stepping away for family reasons (becoming a father), leaving the door open for future returns.
Will we see Atwater again after this season?
Very possible! Past characters like Halstead and Upton have returned for crossovers. The One Chicago universe loves bringing back fan favorites.
Who was at Atwater’s send-off party?
Pretty much the whole Chicago family! Current cast (Burgess, Voight, new members), former stars (Halstead, Upton), and even Chicago Fire’s Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) showed up to celebrate Hawkins.