For more than a decade, Patrick Flueger and LaRoyce Hawkins have shared one of the strongest partnerships in the Chicago P.D. universe. As Officers Adam Ruzek and Kevin Atwater, the two actors helped define the Intelligence Unit with a friendship built on loyalty, trust, and unwavering support. What began when the series premiered in 2014 has grown into one of the show’s most recognizable relationships, both on screen and behind the scenes.
From the very first season of Chicago P.D., Ruzek and Atwater were introduced as young officers eager to prove themselves under Sergeant Hank Voight’s demanding leadership. While they had different personalities and often approached situations from different perspectives, they quickly earned each other’s respect. Over the years, viewers watched them develop into experienced detectives who repeatedly trusted one another in dangerous undercover operations, life threatening situations, and emotionally challenging investigations.
Unlike many television partnerships that come and go, the bond between Ruzek and Atwater continued to grow stronger with each season. Whether protecting fellow officers, making difficult split second decisions, or offering support during personal struggles, they consistently proved they could rely on each other no matter the circumstances. Their friendship became one of the emotional foundations of the Intelligence Unit and helped give Chicago P.D. much of its heart.
That chemistry did not end when the cameras stopped rolling. Patrick Flueger and LaRoyce Hawkins have developed a genuine friendship away from the set that has become well known among longtime fans. Hawkins has often spoken about the close relationship they share, even revealing that he regularly spends Thanksgiving with Flueger and his family in Minnesota. The two actors frequently appear together in behind the scenes videos, interviews, and social media posts, showing the same easygoing friendship that viewers see through their characters.
Throughout the years, both actors have praised each other’s professionalism and friendship during interviews. Hawkins has described the Chicago P.D. cast as a family and has repeatedly highlighted the bond he shares with Flueger after spending so many years working side by side. Their natural friendship has helped make Ruzek and Atwater’s partnership feel authentic, something many fans believe is one of the reasons their scenes together have remained so memorable.
Their relationship has also survived some of the Intelligence Unit’s darkest moments. Both characters have experienced heartbreaking losses, dangerous assignments, and personal challenges, yet they consistently found themselves standing beside one another. Whether celebrating victories or facing devastating setbacks, Ruzek and Atwater became symbols of loyalty within the team.
That is why recent news surrounding LaRoyce Hawkins’ departure has been especially emotional for longtime viewers. After portraying Kevin Atwater since the very beginning of Chicago P.D., Hawkins is expected to leave the series during the early part of Season 14, bringing an end to one of the show’s longest running character journeys. His exit will also mark the conclusion of one of television’s most enduring on screen partnerships, as fans prepare to see Ruzek continue without his closest friend by his side.
While NBC has not revealed exactly how Atwater’s story will conclude, many viewers are hoping the character receives the meaningful farewell he deserves after more than a decade with the Intelligence Unit. Whatever direction the writers choose, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Adam Ruzek and the rest of the team, especially considering everything the two officers have experienced together over the years.
Patrick Flueger has not publicly commented in detail on Hawkins’ upcoming departure, but the respect between the two actors has always been evident. Their friendship has extended far beyond filming, and fans will undoubtedly continue following both performers even after they are no longer sharing scenes together every week.
Few television partnerships have lasted as long or felt as genuine as the one between Adam Ruzek and Kevin Atwater. Thanks to Patrick Flueger and LaRoyce Hawkins’ real life friendship, their on screen chemistry became one of the defining elements of Chicago P.D. for more than ten seasons. As Hawkins prepares to close this chapter, fans are celebrating not only Kevin Atwater’s remarkable legacy but also one of the strongest friendships the One Chicago franchise has ever produced.