After 14 seasons as Officer Kevin Atwater, LaRoyce Hawkins made his final appearance as a series regular on the October 14 episode of NBC’s Chicago P.D.
The actor thanked fans in a video shared on Instagram Stories.
“Thank you. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for supporting the show. Thank you for the energy, the enthusiasm towards Chicago P.D. Thank you,” Hawkins said.
One of the show’s original cast members, Hawkins joined Chicago P.D. at its 2014 premiere and appeared in more than 250 episodes.
Kevin Atwater Chooses Family and a New Beginning
In Season 14, Episode 2, “Don’t Blink,” Atwater faces a major decision after welcoming his son, Malcolm, with Tasha Fox, played by Karen Obilom.
While pursuing a suspect, Atwater is shot at, but his bulletproof vest saves him. The incident prompts him to reconsider the risks of police work and his responsibilities as a new father.
After speaking with his boss, Hank Voight, played by Jason Beghe, Atwater considers becoming a police academy instructor. An opportunity in Atlanta allows him to pursue that path while remaining focused on his family.
At his farewell gathering, Atwater reflects on his years with the department before leaving Chicago to begin a new chapter with his family.
A Farewell That Has Fans Talking
Although Atwater’s exit gives him an optimistic future, the episode has prompted discussion about whether it fully addressed the relationships that shaped his time on the show.
TV Fanatic questioned whether the sendoff gave enough attention to his bonds with colleagues Adam Ruzek, played by Patrick John Flueger, and Kim Burgess, played by Marina Squerciati.
Those partnerships were central to Atwater’s development from a patrol officer into a key member of the Intelligence Unit, making the farewell especially significant for longtime viewers.
Jesse Lee Soffer Directs Hawkins’ Final Episode
Former Chicago P.D. star Jesse Lee Soffer directed Hawkins’ final episode.
Soffer, who played Detective Jay Halstead before leaving the series in Season 10, shared a tribute to his longtime co-star ahead of the broadcast.
Hawkins called Soffer a brother and described having him direct the episode as a blessing, adding a personal connection to the farewell.
LaRoyce Hawkins’ Legacy on Chicago P.D.
As Atwater, Hawkins helped anchor the One Chicago franchise while the character’s story explored police work, race, loyalty, sacrifice and family responsibilities.
The character could still return in the future, though no appearance has been confirmed. After 14 seasons, Atwater leaves behind a lasting place in Chicago P.D. and its history.
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