Chicago P.D. is known for its high-stakes action, emotional storytelling, and gritty realism, it’s the off-screen connections between cast members that often touch fans the most. One recent behind-the-scenes moment sent waves of emotion through the One Chicago fandom: a deeply affectionate hug shared between LaRoyce Hawkins (who plays Officer Kevin Atwater) and Tracy Spiridakos (Detective Hailey Upton). The moment, captured in a candid on-set photo, went viral among fans and quickly became a symbol of the close-knit bond that makes Chicago P.D. feel like more than just a police drama—it feels like family.
The image, which shows Hawkins and Spiridakos embracing warmly on the set of Season 12, comes at an emotional time for the cast and crew. Tracy Spiridakos is confirmed to be leaving the series at the end of this season, and her co-stars are soaking in every last moment with her. The hug wasn’t staged or scripted—it was a genuine expression of affection and mutual respect between two actors who have shared years of professional and personal growth together.
With Spiridakos preparing for her departure, emotions are running high both on set and among the show’s global fanbase. Her portrayal of Hailey Upton—tough, loyal, emotionally complex—has made her a standout in the One Chicago universe. Over the years, Upton has endured heartbreak, carried guilt, and made some of the series’ most difficult choices. Spiridakos brought a level of nuance to the role that resonated with fans and grounded the character in emotional reality. Her exit, though not yet played out on-screen, is already being felt off-camera—and that hug with LaRoyce Hawkins seemed to encapsulate all of it: the gratitude, the history, the love.
LaRoyce Hawkins has long been known not just for his incredible acting chops but also for his ability to lift up those around him. His character, Kevin Atwater, has become one of the emotional anchors of the series—a moral compass navigating the complicated realities of policing in America. In real life, Hawkins carries that same empathy and wisdom, often mentoring younger actors and using his platform to speak on issues of social justice, fatherhood, and representation. That’s why this particular moment with Spiridakos felt so profound. It wasn’t just two actors hugging—it was a deeply felt farewell between two people who’ve been through it all, both on the page and behind the scenes.
As Season 12 continues to unfold, fans know that Tracy’s final scenes are coming. While we don’t yet know how Upton’s storyline will wrap up, we do know that she’ll leave a lasting impact—on the Intelligence Unit, on her co-stars, and on the millions of viewers who’ve followed her journey. And while Hawkins will continue his work as Atwater, it’s clear that Tracy’s presence on set will be missed immensely. The hug was just one moment, but it told a much larger story: one of friendship, legacy, and the kind of love that endures long after the cameras stop rolling.
What makes Chicago P.D. such a powerful series isn’t just its procedural grit or its explosive story arcs. It’s the human element—the way the cast pours so much of themselves into the work, the way their real-life relationships deepen the authenticity of what we see on screen. When actors like LaRoyce Hawkins and Tracy Spiridakos share a moment like this, it reminds fans that behind the characters are real people, creating real memories and building real connections.
