Few characters in the sprawling One Chicago universe left an impression as profound and lasting as Gabriela “Gabby” Dawson. Portrayed with fierce intensity and unwavering conviction by Monica Raymund, Gabby was more than just a character; she was an anchor for Firehouse 51 from the very inception of Chicago Fire. For six full seasons, her presence shaped the emotional core of the series, demonstrating a relentless spirit whether responding to harrowing calls in the ambulance, clashing passionately with superiors, or navigating her tumultuous yet deeply heartfelt relationship with Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer). Years after her final regular appearance, her absence continues to resonate, feeling less like a closed chapter and more like an open wound for a devoted fanbase.

Gabby’s journey through Chicago Fire was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, defining much of the show’s early dramatic tension. In Season 6, her storyline reached a poignant peak. On one hand, she swelled with pride watching her husband, Casey, earn the coveted rank of captain, a testament to his dedication and skill. On the other, the couple faced a devastating heartbreak when the biological father of their foster son, Louie, won custody, forcing them to relinquish the child they had come to adore. This loss was particularly crushing for Casey, whose lifelong dream of fatherhood was abruptly snatched away. For Gabby, however, it became a breaking point. The emotional toll, compounded by years of high-stress work and personal sacrifices, drove her to seek a profound change. In an effort to heal and find a fresh perspective, she made the difficult decision to leave Chicago and dedicate herself to humanitarian work in Puerto Rico. This initial separation, intended for healing, ultimately led to her decision to seek a divorce, officially bringing to an end one of the show’s most defining and beloved romances: “Dawsey.”

The impact of this separation and eventual divorce on Matt Casey and the rest of Firehouse 51 was immense. Casey, a man of profound loyalty and deep emotional reserves, struggled significantly in Gabby’s absence. Their relationship had been the central romantic pillar of the show, a turbulent yet passionate partnership that weathered countless storms. Her departure left a void not just in his personal life, but in the very fabric of Firehouse 51. The dynamic between the team shifted palpably; Gabby wasn’t just Casey’s wife, she was a respected, if sometimes headstrong, paramedic and a vital member of their tight-knit family. Sylvie Brett, her partner in Ambo 61, felt the loss keenly, not only of her colleague but of her closest confidante. Their sisterly bond was a cornerstone of the paramedic storylines, and Gabby’s exit left Brett navigating new partnerships and responsibilities, further solidifying her own growth into a leadership role within the ambulance.

For a fleeting moment in Season 8, fans harbored renewed hope for Gabby’s return. In the episode “Best Friend Magic,” Gabby surprised Casey by reappearing in Chicago, extending an invitation for him to join her in Puerto Rico. The reunion was charged with unspoken emotions, stirring up old feelings and igniting the lingering sparks of their powerful connection. However, in a decision that foreshadowed his own eventual departure, Casey ultimately chose to remain in Chicago, prioritizing his commitments and the life he had built at Firehouse 51. Gabby returned to Puerto Rico alone, marking what remains her last on-screen appearance to date. This episode, while brief, served as a crucial turning point, offering a glimpse of what could have been while simultaneously confirming the definitive end of “Dawsey” for the time being. It also laid the groundwork for Casey’s future, demonstrating his deep-seated loyalty to his city and his firehouse family, which would later lead him to Portland to care for the Darden boys.

Behind the scenes, Monica Raymund’s decision to leave Chicago Fire was driven by a personal and professional desire for growth. In a candid interview with the Chicago Tribune, she explained that her six-year contract was coming to an end, and she felt a powerful urge to explore new roles and experiences beyond the confines of the One Chicago universe. “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 elaborated. “I wanted to explore a different world.” Since departing Chicago Fire, Raymund has indeed ventured into new territories, notably starring in the acclaimed Starz series Hightown, among other significant projects. Her career trajectory post-Chicago Fire has vindicated her decision, proving her versatility and talent, yet her indelible mark on the One Chicago universe remains undeniable.

The reason Gabby’s departure continues to feel like an “open wound” for many fans lies in its nature. Unlike some character exits that involve a definitive, often tragic, end, Gabby wasn’t killed off. This crucial distinction means the door has never fully closed. Her deep, complex ties to Matt Casey, her profound friendship with Sylvie Brett, her familial connection to Boden and the entire Firehouse 51 crew, all ensure her memory remains vibrantly alive in ongoing storylines and character development. Her influence can be seen in Casey’s eventual and deeply resonant relationship with Sylvie Brett, a romance that blossomed only after both had truly moved on from previous heartbreaks. Even then, the ghost of Gabby, and the legacy of “Dawsey,” often lingered in their early interactions, a testament to how central her presence had been.

Even now, as Chicago Fire navigates through its impressive run, approaching its 14th season, the speculation among fans about Monica Raymund potentially reprising her role, even for a brief cameo, persists. While no official plans have ever been announced, the narrative possibility of her return has consistently been maintained. This sustained hope underscores the power of her character’s legacy and the unresolved emotional threads she left behind. The idea that Gabby is simply “out there” in the world, living a life of purpose, allows for the fantasy of her return to continually spark the Chicago Fire fandom.

The show itself has demonstrated remarkable resilience in adapting to such a significant loss. Chicago Fire has introduced new, compelling characters, further developed existing ones, and explored new storylines that continue to captivate audiences. The evolution of Sylvie Brett into a strong, independent, and compassionate leader, eventually finding her own fulfilling partnership with Casey (and later, other significant relationships), is a direct consequence of Gabby’s departure and the void it created. The series has proven that while core characters are vital, the ensemble’s strength and the fundamental premise of Firehouse 51 can endure and even thrive through change.

Ultimately, Gabby Dawson’s absence still feels like an open wound because she is gone, but never truly forgotten. Her impact reverberates through the lives of the characters she left behind, shaping their paths and influencing their choices. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the deep emotional investment audiences make in long-running television series, and how certain characters, through their passion and complexity, achieve a kind of immortality in the hearts of viewers. She remains, in the collective consciousness of the fandom, always just one phone call, one humanitarian mission’s end, or one crucial storyline away from potentially sparking the Chicago Fire fandom all over again.