LaRoyce Hawkins has officially said goodbye to Chicago P.D. after more than a decade as Kevin Atwater. His emotional departure marks a major turning point for the popular NBC police drama.
The LaRoyce Hawkins Chicago P.D. exit has left longtime fans emotional. After 12 years and 14 seasons, the actor has concluded his journey as Officer Kevin Atwater.
His final episode, titled Don’t Blink, aired on October 14, 2026. Moreover, the Season 14 episode gave his character a meaningful farewell.
However, Atwater’s story did not end in tragedy. Instead, he made an important decision about his family and future.
As a result, the storyline offered a hopeful conclusion while keeping the possibility of his return alive.
LaRoyce Hawkins Leaves Chicago P.D. After 14 Seasons
LaRoyce Hawkins joined Chicago P.D. when the series premiered in 2014.
Initially, his character, Kevin Atwater, worked as a patrol officer. However, he later became a respected member of the Intelligence Unit.
Over the years, Atwater developed into one of the show’s most important characters.
Moreover, his storylines explored loyalty, justice and personal responsibility.
He frequently balanced dangerous police work with the needs of his family.
As a result, his departure marks the end of a memorable chapter in the NBC drama.
What Happened in Kevin Atwater’s Final Episode?
Atwater’s final episode, Don’t Blink, featured a dangerous encounter.
While pursuing a suspect, he came under gunfire.
Fortunately, his bulletproof vest protected him from a potentially fatal injury.
However, the experience forced him to reconsider the risks of his profession.
Moreover, the incident happened at an important moment in his personal life.
Atwater had recently become a father. Therefore, the danger made him think more seriously about his family’s future.
Fatherhood Changes Kevin Atwater’s Priorities
Atwater’s growing family played a major role in his decision.
His partner, Tasha Fox, played by Karen Obilom, had recently given birth to their son, Malcolm.
Moreover, becoming a father brought new responsibilities.
For years, Atwater had dedicated himself to protecting others.
However, he now wanted to spend more time with his own family.
As a result, he began questioning whether his demanding career could provide the stability he wanted.
This emotional conflict became central to his farewell storyline.
Hank Voight Offers Atwater a New Opportunity
Following the dangerous encounter, Atwater discussed his future with Sergeant Hank Voight.
Voight, played by Jason Beghe, recognized that his colleague’s priorities had changed.
Moreover, he understood Atwater’s concerns about his growing family.
Instead of encouraging him to remain in the Intelligence Unit, Voight suggested another opportunity.
The position involved teaching at a police academy in Atlanta.
Therefore, Atwater could continue working in law enforcement while building a more stable family life.
The offer gave him a chance to begin a new chapter.
Why Kevin Atwater Decides to Move to Atlanta
Atwater ultimately accepted the teaching opportunity in Atlanta.
The decision allowed him to remain connected to law enforcement.
Moreover, he could use his experience to train future police officers.
However, his new role would also offer a different lifestyle.
The move gave him an opportunity to prioritize Tasha and their newborn son.
As a result, Atwater chose personal growth and family stability over remaining in the Intelligence Unit.
His departure reflected how much the character had changed over the years.
Chicago P.D. Gives Atwater an Emotional Farewell
Before leaving Chicago, Atwater gathered his colleagues to share his decision.
The moment allowed him to reflect on his years with the Intelligence Unit.
Moreover, it highlighted the strong relationships he had developed.
His teammates had experienced dangerous investigations and difficult personal moments together.
However, the farewell focused on gratitude rather than sadness alone.
Atwater acknowledged the importance of his time in Chicago’s 21st District.
As a result, the episode delivered a meaningful goodbye for longtime viewers.
Jesse Lee Soffer Directs Hawkins’ Final Episode
One special detail surrounding the farewell involved Jesse Lee Soffer.
The former Chicago P.D. actor directed Hawkins’ final episode.
Soffer previously played Detective Jay Halstead before leaving the series as a regular.
Moreover, he had worked alongside Hawkins for several years.
His involvement added a personal touch to the episode.
Meanwhile, the collaboration connected the show’s past with its present.
Therefore, having Soffer direct the farewell made the occasion even more memorable.
LaRoyce Hawkins Thanks Fans for Their Support
Following his final appearance, Hawkins shared an emotional message with viewers.
The actor posted a video on Instagram Stories expressing his gratitude.
Moreover, he thanked fans for supporting him throughout his years on Chicago P.D.
His message reflected the importance of the show’s audience.
For more than a decade, viewers followed Atwater’s professional and personal journey.
Meanwhile, Hawkins’ farewell attracted attention from fans and fellow cast members.
As a result, his departure became a celebration of his long association with the series.
Chicago P.D. Cast Members Share Tributes
Hawkins also received appreciation from his colleagues.
Karen Obilom, who plays Tasha Fox, shared a tribute celebrating his contributions.
Moreover, her message highlighted their experience working together.
The cast has developed strong professional relationships across multiple seasons.
Therefore, saying goodbye to an original cast member represents a significant change.
Meanwhile, fans have also reflected on their favourite Kevin Atwater moments.
As a result, Hawkins’ departure has become an emotional moment for the One Chicago community.
Chicago P.D. Faces Another Major Cast Change
Hawkins’ exit continues a series of important cast changes on Chicago P.D.
Over the years, the NBC drama has seen several familiar actors leave.
These include Sophia Bush, Jon Seda, Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos.
Moreover, each departure has changed the dynamics of the Intelligence Unit.
Now, Hawkins’ exit removes another longtime character.
However, the series continues to introduce new stories and challenges.
Therefore, Season 14 represents another period of transition for the popular police drama.
Could LaRoyce Hawkins Return to Chicago P.D.?
Although Hawkins has left as a series regular, his character remains alive.
Moreover, Atwater’s move to Atlanta does not permanently close the door on future appearances.
Showrunner Gwen Sigan has expressed openness to bringing former cast members back.
Therefore, a future appearance remains possible.
However, no official return date has been announced for Hawkins.
Fans will have to wait for further updates about his involvement.
For now, his farewell marks the conclusion of his regular role on the series.
What’s Next for LaRoyce Hawkins?
Hawkins’ departure from Chicago P.D. opens a new chapter in his acting career.
After spending more than a decade playing Kevin Atwater, he may have opportunities to explore different characters and projects.
Moreover, his long-running performance has helped him build a strong television audience.
However, no specific next project has been confirmed in the reporting surrounding his exit.
Meanwhile, Chicago P.D. will continue exploring the Intelligence Unit’s changing dynamics.
As a result, both Hawkins and the NBC drama are entering new phases.
LaRoyce Hawkins’ Chicago P.D. Exit Marks the End of an Era
The LaRoyce Hawkins Chicago P.D. exit marks one of the show’s most emotional cast changes.
After 14 seasons, Hawkins has concluded his regular role as Kevin Atwater.
Moreover, the writers gave his character a hopeful ending centred on family and personal growth.
Instead of facing tragedy, Atwater chose a new opportunity in Atlanta.
His decision allowed him to continue serving others while prioritizing his partner and son.
Meanwhile, the Intelligence Unit must adjust to life without one of its longest-serving members.
Although a future return remains possible, Hawkins’ departure closes an important chapter in the show’s history.
Ultimately, Kevin Atwater’s farewell celebrates a character who spent years protecting others before choosing a new future for himself.
Will you miss Kevin Atwater on Chicago P.D.? Share your favourite LaRoyce Hawkins moments and tell us whether you hope to see him return. Stay tuned for more television news, cast updates and entertainment stories!
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
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