The twelfth season of Chicago P.D. has arrived with significant changes, and promotions within the Intelligence Unit are a hot topic.
The dynamics within the team have always been a crucial part of the show’s success, and as the characters grow, so do their roles. Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek) and LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater) recently shared their thoughts on the upcoming promotions, giving fans a glimpse into how the hierarchy might shift in the new season. Season 12 comes after several shake-ups, including leadership challenges and new faces joining the team. With Sergeant Hank Voight’s (Jason Beghe) career possibly reaching its twilight, speculation about who might rise within the ranks has increased. The characters of Ruzek and Atwater, both of whom have shown strong leadership traits, are naturally among the top contenders for promotion.
Ruzek has come a long way from his impulsive beginnings to a more seasoned, reliable officer. Patrick John Flueger spoke about Ruzek’s growth, noting that “Ruzek’s journey has been a rough one. He’s made some questionable choices, but he’s proven his loyalty and love for the team time and time again. If anyone’s ready for a bigger role, it’s him.”
Flueger hinted that Ruzek’s relationship with Voight has matured, positioning him as a natural successor in the event of a power shift. However, Flueger also acknowledged the challenges Ruzek faces: “He’s been through so much personally. If he takes on a promotion, he’ll have to juggle the emotional toll that comes with it.”
Kevin Atwater has always been a steady hand in the unit, often standing up for what’s right, even when it means going against the grain. LaRoyce Hawkins touched on Atwater’s readiness for a leadership role, highlighting the character’s moral compass and dedication to justice.
“Atwater has consistently shown he’s a leader. He’s someone the team looks up to. He handles himself with grace under pressure, and he always fights for his community,” Hawkins shared. Fans have long rooted for Atwater to receive more recognition, and Hawkins suggested that Season 12 might finally deliver: “This season, we’re going to see Atwater take more initiative. He’s ready for the next step.” While both Ruzek and Atwater are primed for promotion, the actors emphasized that their characters’ relationship is one of mutual respect. “There’s no competition between Ruzek and Atwater,” Flueger said. “If one of us gets promoted, the other will be happy. It’s about the team’s success, not individual gain.”
