In the high-stakes world of Chicago P.D., where danger lurks around every corner and justice walks a thin line, one character has consistently stood out—not just for her bravery and grit, but for the emotional depth she brings to the screen. Kim Burgess, portrayed by the ever-talented Marina Squerciati, isn’t just a member of the Intelligence Unit—she’s its soul. Her journey, filled with heartbreak, growth, and unwavering dedication, has resonated deeply with fans, making her departure from the series an unthinkable loss.
From Patrol Officer to Intelligence Powerhouse
Burgess began her journey on Chicago P.D. as a wide-eyed, determined patrol officer. With a bright smile and a relentless desire to do right by the people of Chicago, she quickly became a fan favorite. Viewers watched her evolve, not only as an officer but as a woman navigating the complexities of life in law enforcement. Her promotion to the Intelligence Unit wasn’t just a plot development—it was a triumph fans celebrated because they had been with her through every call, every loss, every moment of self-doubt.
A Character Grounded in Real Emotion
What makes Kim Burgess so special is how deeply human she is. She’s made mistakes, doubted herself, and questioned the very system she serves. She’s been shot, battered, broken—and yet, she rises. In a show full of adrenaline and tactical takedowns, Burgess brings the heart. Her moments of vulnerability—like navigating motherhood, trauma, and heartbreak—remind us that even the toughest officers are still human at the end of the day.
Squerciati’s portrayal of Burgess is nothing short of masterful. She doesn’t just act—she embodies. There’s a quiet power in her emotional scenes, a rawness that brings audiences to tears. It’s that authenticity that makes Kim Burgess not just a character on a procedural drama, but a mirror for resilience and strength in the real world.
The Burgess-Ruzek Saga: A Love Story Fans Can’t Quit
One of the most emotionally gripping storylines on Chicago P.D. has been the on-again, off-again relationship between Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger). Their chemistry is electric, but more than that, it’s real. They fight, they falter, they love fiercely—and they never give up on each other, even when they’re not together.
Their shared journey through adoption, heartbreak, and reconciliation has kept fans rooting for a happy ending. With their recent co-parenting of Makayla, the little girl Burgess adopted after a devastating tragedy, their dynamic has become even more layered. The couple represents something rare in TV: messy, imperfect love that still somehow feels like destiny.
A Symbol of Strength and Survivorhood
Kim Burgess isn’t just admired for her badge—she’s revered for her endurance. Her kidnapping and brutal assault in Season 8 was one of the darkest storylines in Chicago P.D. history. The aftermath wasn’t glossed over. Instead, the show delved into her trauma, showing the long road of recovery. She didn’t magically bounce back—and that made her even more real to fans who’ve faced their own battles.
That arc transformed Burgess into a symbol of survivorhood. Fans found inspiration in her resilience, in her decision to keep going, to return to duty, to fight for justice even when justice had failed her.
A Departure That Would Break the Unit—and the Audience
There’s been speculation about possible cast changes as Chicago P.D. continues its multi-season run, and one rumor that refuses to die is the potential exit of Marina Squerciati. But if Burgess were to leave, it wouldn’t just be a cast shake-up—it would be an emotional earthquake for fans.
Burgess has become integral to the fabric of the show. Without her, the Intelligence Unit would lose its moral anchor, its heart. More importantly, fans would lose a connection that has been nurtured over a decade—a character who has felt like a sister, a best friend, a reminder of strength in vulnerability.
Why Fans Can’t—and Won’t—Let Her Go
Social media lights up with every Burgess-heavy episode. Fans create fan art, write tributes, and share their own stories of survival because of her. Marina Squerciati’s performance has inspired viewers worldwide—not just as a TV officer, but as a portrayal of resilience personified. There’s something deeply comforting in watching Burgess walk into a dangerous situation with nothing but courage and instinct. She doesn’t just solve cases—she saves hope.
