The Definitive Timeline: Exactly When And Why Gabriela Dawson Left Chicago Fire (And Her Surprise Return)

The departure of Gabriela "Gabby" Dawson from Chicago Fire remains one of the most talked-about and emotional exits in the history of the One Chicago franchise, still generating significant discussion as of December 12, 2025. The beloved paramedic and firefighter, played by Monica Raymund, was a foundational character from the pilot episode, making her sudden decision to leave Firehouse 51 a major shock to both her husband, Captain Matthew Casey, and the dedicated fanbase. Her exit was not a tragic on-screen death but a heartbreaking decision that fractured the show's central relationship, "Dawsey."

Dawson's final episode as a series regular aired at the beginning of Season 7, though the setup for her departure was established in the Season 6 finale. The actress behind the character chose to step away to pursue new creative challenges, a common yet often difficult decision for actors on long-running network shows. This article breaks down the precise timeline of her exit, the real-world reasons for Monica Raymund's choice, and the details of her unexpected return.

Monica Raymund: Biography and Career Profile

Monica Raymund, the actress who brought Gabriela Dawson to life, is an accomplished American performer and director. Her career spans television, film, and theatre, often focusing on roles that highlight strong, complex female characters. She was a crucial part of the show's success for its first six seasons.

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• Full Name: Monica Maria Raymund
• Date of Birth: July 26, 1986
• Place of Birth: St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Alma Mater: The Juilliard School
• Key Television Roles Before Chicago Fire: Maria "Ria" Torres on the Fox crime drama Lie to Me (2009–2011).
• Key Television Roles After Chicago Fire: Starring as Jackie Quiñones in the Starz crime drama Hightown (2020–2024).
• Directing: Raymund has also moved behind the camera, directing episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and FBI.

Raymund's decision to leave the stability of a hit show like Chicago Fire was driven by a desire for artistic risk and the pursuit of new opportunities, which she successfully found in her lead role on Hightown.

The Exact Timeline: Dawson’s Final Regular Episodes

The character of Gabriela Dawson, initially a Paramedic in Charge on Ambulance 61 and later a Candidate on Truck 81, was integral to the drama at Firehouse 51. Her exit was drawn out, spanning two seasons, which made the final goodbye particularly painful for fans of the "Dawsey" romance.

Season 6 Finale: The Decision to Leave (Episode 23: "The F**k You Are")

The groundwork for Dawson's departure was laid in the Season 6 finale. The episode saw her receive an offer to join a relief effort mission in Puerto Rico, focusing on disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Maria. Dawson, who had been struggling with her identity and the pressures of her personal life—including the breakdown of her adoption attempt with Casey—saw the mission as a chance to find new purpose and challenge herself. She accepts the offer, deciding to take the three-month assignment.

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Season 7 Premiere: The Final Goodbye (Episode 1: "A Closer Eye")

While the Season 6 finale set up the move, the Season 7 premiere is considered Dawson's last episode as a series regular. Casey returns home to find Dawson, who informs him that she has decided to stay in Puerto Rico permanently. This decision effectively ends their marriage, as Casey is unwilling to leave Firehouse 51 and his life in Chicago. The episode shows the emotional, final goodbye between the couple, cementing her departure from the main cast and the One Chicago universe.

The Real Reason Monica Raymund Left Chicago Fire

Unlike some character exits that are driven by creative decisions or off-screen drama, Monica Raymund’s departure was a personal career choice that was handled amicably by the showrunners and the network. The actress was open about her reasons, which centered on professional growth and the need for new creative experiences.

Embracing New Roles and Creative Freedom

Raymund had been with Chicago Fire since its inception in 2012, portraying Gabriela Dawson for six full seasons. When her initial contract came to an end, she felt it was the right time to move on.

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• Seeking Risk: Raymund stated that she wanted to "explore other options" and "embrace risk" in her career. Staying in a stable, long-term role, while comfortable, limited her ability to pursue different kinds of projects.
• New Opportunities: Her desire was to move to Los Angeles and find new roles that challenged her, which eventually led to her starring role as the lead in the Starz series Hightown.
• A Natural Conclusion: Showrunner Derek Haas acknowledged that the departure was a "big blow" to the central "Dawsey" relationship, but respected Raymund's decision to leave when her contract concluded.

The character's move to Puerto Rico was a narrative device that provided a plausible, non-fatal exit, leaving the door open for future appearances, which is a common practice in the Dick Wolf-produced One Chicago franchise.

The Surprise Return of Gabriela Dawson in Season 8

Despite the finality of her regular departure, Monica Raymund kept the door slightly ajar for a return, and she did come back for a special guest appearance, much to the delight of the fanbase.

Season 8 Fall Finale (Episode 9: "Best Friend Magic")

Gabriela Dawson made a surprise return in the Season 8 fall finale, which aired in late 2019. Her return was tied to a charity gala, where she invited Matthew Casey. The reunion was emotional and rekindled old feelings, especially for Casey, who was still dealing with the fallout of their separation.

This guest spot provided a brief moment of nostalgia for "Dawsey" fans, but ultimately served as a form of closure, as the couple realized their lives were on different paths. Dawson was thriving in her work in Puerto Rico, and Casey was committed to his life at Firehouse 51. While the door to the character is never fully closed in the One Chicago universe, this Season 8 appearance remains her most recent return to the show.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords:

The narrative surrounding Dawson's exit is rich with specific entities and related topics that provide topical authority:

• Matthew Casey (Captain)
• "Dawsey" (Relationship Name)
• Firehouse 51 (Setting)
• Ambulance 61 (Dawson's Unit)
• Truck 81 (Dawson's other Unit)
• Paramedic in Charge
• Candidate Firefighter
• Dick Wolf (Executive Producer)
• Derek Haas (Showrunner)
• One Chicago Franchise (Umbrella Term)
• Puerto Rico (Relief Mission Location)
• Hurricane Maria (Disaster Context)
• Chicago P.D. (Sister Show)
• Chicago Med (Sister Show)
• Lie to Me (Previous Role)
• Hightown (Subsequent Role)
• Season 6 finale
• Season 7 premiere
• Season 8 fall finale
• Kelly Severide (Fellow Firefighter)
• Leslie Shay (Former Partner)