Monica Raymund Announces She’s Leaving ‘Chicago Fire’

Monica Raymund plays Gabriela Dawson on Season 6 of "Chicago Fire." (NBC)

Monica Raymund, who played Chicago Fire paramedic Gabby Dawson for six seasons, has confirmed she is leaving the NBC series.

“It has been an honor to play Dawson on ‘Chicago Fire’ and one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” Raymund tweeted Tuesday morning. “I am so thankful for the journey and especially to all of you for watching, but I have made the decision that it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter in life.”

The actress was one of the original cast members on the firefighting drama when it launched in 2012.

“I’ll always be proud to have played a fierce paramedic with such an incredible cast and crew,” Raymund added. “On to the next!”

https://twitter.com/monicaraymund/status/996387044023648262

Her announcement came one week after NBC renewed Chicago Fire for a seventh season.  The drama is part of a slate of Dick Wolf series broadcast on NBC including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med.The shows frequently feature intersecting storylines during crossover episodes.

Raymund’s exit may not come as a surprise to fans after last Thursday’s season 6 finale, which showed Dawson being asked to join relief efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

Fan-favorite Dawson experienced a range of highs and lows over the years such as the death of her partner Shay (Lauren German), a relationship with Captain Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) and family struggles involving her brother Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda), a detective on Chicago P.D.

Seda replied to Raymund’s tweet by saying he would always treasure working with her.

“I’ll never forget the 1st time I was introduced as Det. Antonio Dawson, season 1 of @NBCChicagoFire in a scene with you!” he wrote on Twitter. “It was an absolute honor to have played your onscreen brother! A gift I’ll always treasure!”