The 4th of July is a time for fireworks, food, and fun with family and friends—but what if you could add a little One Chicago flair to the festivities? NBC’s beloved franchise—Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med—has given us countless unforgettable characters over the years. From fearless firefighters and brave cops to life-saving doctors, they’ve all earned a special place in our hearts.
So, imagine this: the grill is hot, the drinks are cold, and the backyard is packed. If you could invite just one One Chicago character to your Independence Day barbecue, who would it be? Let’s explore the top contenders and what each one would bring to the ultimate summer gathering.
1. Trudy Platt (Chicago P.D.) – The Unofficial Grill Sergeant
If you’re looking for someone to run the party with wit, authority, and zero tolerance for nonsense, Sergeant Trudy Platt is your woman. With her dry humor and legendary sass, she’d absolutely take over hosting duties—and you’d let her. She might pretend she’s too cool for lawn games, but you just know she’s secretly the reigning cornhole champion. Expect sarcastic commentary, surprisingly good coleslaw, and a few classic Chicago cop stories that’ll leave your guests wide-eyed.
2. Joe Cruz (Chicago Fire) – The MVP of the Party
Everyone loves Joe Cruz—and for good reason. He’s warm, friendly, and genuinely the kind of guy you’d want at any social gathering. Not only would he help set up the tables and string lights, but he’d also man the grill with pride. Bonus: He’d bring his homemade tamales and maybe even a few firehouse cooking secrets.
He’d be great with kids, check in on your elderly neighbors, and start a game of backyard football before dessert. Cruz is the heart of Chicago Fire, and he’d be the heart of your barbecue too.
3. Dr. Crockett Marcel (Chicago Med) – The Cool Guest Everyone Talks About
Every party needs that effortlessly cool guest who shows up looking like they walked out of a magazine—and that’s Dr. Crockett Marcel. With his New Orleans charm, deep voice, and smoldering gaze, he’d have everyone intrigued in seconds. But don’t be fooled by the charisma—he’d also be the guy helping in the kitchen, checking on a scraped knee, or making sure everyone’s safe during the fireworks.
4. Kim Burgess (Chicago P.D.) – The Protective Plus-One
Kim Burgess is the friend who checks in with everyone, keeps the peace, and makes sure no one’s left out. She’d bring a thoughtful dish (probably a homemade pie), help your shy cousin feel included, and still have time to quietly patrol the area for any sketchy fireworks behavior. Kim is strong, dependable, and full of heart—which makes her the kind of guest who turns a party into a memory.
5. Sylvie Brett (Chicago Fire) – The Sweetheart of the Summer
If you’re looking to keep things light, warm, and welcoming, Sylvie Brett is the obvious choice. She’d arrive with a big smile, a colorful fruit salad, and a genuine interest in meeting everyone. She’d be the one organizing sparklers for the kids, helping clean up, and still finding time to share some life-saving tips in case Uncle Dave gets too close to the grill.
6. Kevin Atwater (Chicago P.D.) – The Life of the Party
Atwater brings energy, good vibes, and loyalty wherever he goes. At your 4th of July barbecue, he’d light up the party with good conversation, music, and probably a few dance moves. He’s great with people, never turns down a challenge, and has a calming, confident presence that makes everyone feel at ease.
So… Who’s Your Pick?
Each One Chicago character brings something unique to the table—literally and figuratively. Whether you want a no-nonsense grill boss, a heartwarming helper, or the star of the playlist, there’s a perfect guest waiting to RSVP from Chicago.
And let’s be real—if you could invite the whole cast, you probably would. Imagine Cruz and Platt arguing over seasoning, Atwater DJing, Marcel mixing cocktails, and Burgess making s’mores with the kids. Sounds like the best barbecue ever, doesn’t it?
