Dawson Departs: When Our Favorite Paramedic Took a Powder on Chicago Fire
Ah, Gabby Dawson. The fearless paramedic with a heart of gold (and a talent for dodging falling masonry). But for those who haven't kept up with the scorching drama of Firehouse 51, you might be wondering: when did Dawson ditch Chicago for sunnier (and smokier volcano-filled) pastures?
The Great Puerto Rican Relocation
Buckle up, because it wasn't a straight shot out of Dodge. In Season 6, Dawson's firefighting dreams reignited, leading her to volunteer in Puerto Rico. It was all very "Eat, Pray, Love," but with a fire hose instead of a yoga mat. Things got complicated when she landed a permanent position there. Talk about a life-changing downward dog!
Season 7: A Tearful (and Slightly Awkward) Goodbye
Season 7 saw Dawson return to Chicago, presumably for hugs and well wishes. Instead, she packed more emotional baggage than a Kardashian on a shopping spree. Dawson realized her future wasn't in Chicago, which left Casey with a heavy heart (and probably a lot of takeout menus to sort through). Their final goodbye was bittersweet, but hey, at least nobody got caught in a fire!
So, When Did the Farewell Siren Wail?
The official Dawson departure date was the Season 6 finale, which aired in May 2018. She did appear briefly in the Season 7 premiere to tie up loose ends, but that was it. Think of it as a victory lap, but with less confetti and more sadness.
## Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them!)
How to get over Dawson leaving Chicago Fire?
- Therapy. Just kidding (mostly). Focus on the other amazing characters! Severide's still charming, Herrmann's still cracking jokes, and Cruz is still adorable.
- Rewatch her best moments! Maybe skip the Casey break-up episodes though, for your own sanity.
How to convince Monica Raymund to come back?
- Slide into her DMs with fire emojis. It might work (it probably won't).
- Respect her decision and hope for a future guest appearance! Stranger things have happened (like a giant teddy bear causing a fire...seriously, that was an episode).
How to find a paramedic with Dawson's skills and compassion?
- Move to Puerto Rico and volunteer at a fire station. Just be prepared for volcanic ash.
- Maybe consider medical school yourself! The world needs more heroes.
How to put out a fire in your apartment?
- Call 9-11 immediately! Don't be a Dawson and try to be a hero (unless you actually are a firefighter, then by all means, go get 'em tiger!).
- Invest in a fire extinguisher. They're way cheaper than therapy.
How to mourn the loss of a TV character?
- Binge-watch another show! Distraction is the best medicine (besides actual medicine, of course).
- Talk to your friends about it! They might feel the same way.
