LaRoyce Hawkins Says Goodbye to ‘Chicago P.D.’ as Atwater Puts Family First

LaRoyce Hawkins’ final episode of Chicago P.D. gave Officer Kevin Atwater a close call and a powerful reason to start a new chapter.

Season 14, episode 2 titled “Don’t Blink” marked the end of the actor’s run on the long-running NBC drama.

The episode finds Atwater and his girlfriend Tasha Fox (Karen Obilom), adjusting to life with their newborn son, who they welcomed in the season premiere.

Atwater is already a proud dad, doting on the baby and showing off his son’s picture to his colleagues in the Intelligence Unit. But fatherhood also has him thinking about money.

“Having a son makes you want to provide,” he tells Sgt. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), before asking for a raise.

The conversation is put on hold when the unit heads out to investigate a string of violent robberies at businesses around the city.

As Atwater and Officer Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) move in to arrest a suspect, another member of the robbery crew opens fire. Atwater is hit and falls to the ground, hyperventilating.

Fortunately, his bulletproof vest saves his life.

“It didn’t penetrate. The vest took it! You’re going home tonight,” Burgess reassures him.

But the shooting leaves Atwater shaken. Later, a conversation with one of the suspects gives him even more to think about.

He interviews a man who joined the robbery crew to provide financial support for his adult son, who is addicted to drugs and owes his dealer a lot of money. After the son is found dead, the grieving father blames himself for not being there to help raise his child.

“It’s all my fault. I should have done better by him,” the man says. “I wasn’t there, now he’s gone.”

Between the shooting and the father’s words, Atwater begins reconsidering what he wants for himself and his own son.

Voight comes back with good news — a promotion will likely come through at the end of the month. But Atwater has a change of heart.

“Maybe a promotion wasn’t what I was really after,” he tells his boss.

Atwater says he wants to be there for his son. That prompts Voight to reveal he received a call a week earlier about an opening to teach at the police academy in Atlanta.

“You’d be damn good at that,” Voight tells him. “The pay is good, real good.”

The sergeant encourages him to take the opportunity, saying Atwater deserves it, and so does his son.

Tasha initially has reservations, but Atwater says he thinks it’s for the best.

“I want us to build something together,” he says.

The episode ends with an emotional farewell party, giving Atwater a chance to thank his work family.

“I look around this room, and the only word that comes to mind is gratitude,” he says. “For the past 14 years, the 21st District has been my home. So raise a drink because I went ahead and made a new family. And it’s time we found a new home.”

Hawkins was an original member of the cast. News that his character would be written off the show surfaced in July. Producers have not said why the actor is leaving the series.

Off screen, Hawkins shared a heartfelt message for viewers. In an Instagram Story on Wednesday, the actor thanked fans for supporting him over his 14 seasons with the show.

“Thank you. Thank you for being there for me,” he said. “Thank you for supporting the show. Thank you for your energy and enthusiasm for Chicago P.D. Thank you.”