'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUG/8QAHhAAAgICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAEQMEBQchMkH/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB/8QAGREAAwADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAzFB/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwCQnNbefsEcfjZBra2Ih8ZT2UqDYaybsj5VTYoA6KwZwCLA8REVEvgPJSWz/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
NBC’s Chicago Fire has seen several additions and exits over the years as Firehouse 51 keeps welcoming new members, while also saying goodbye to some old ones. Blake Gallo was one such character, who was introduced in Season 8, but left the show in Season 12.
Gallo, played by Alberto Rosende, made his debut in the show as a rookie firefighter. His character added depth to the story due to his tragic past. Gallo had lost his family in a fire in childhood, which inspired him to take up the job.
However, his story came to an abrupt end in the premiere episode of Season 12. So, why did Gallo leave Chicago Fire? The firefighter found out that he had an aunt in Detroit, and wanted to spend some time with his extended family after staying alone for years.
That is why he chose to leave the department and move to Detroit. Gallo was written off the series as actor Alberto Rosende wanted to exit the show after the 11th season.
Gallo left Chicago Fire to be with his aunt in Detroit
Blake Gallo joined Firehouse 51 as a young and energetic recruit after the death of Brian "Otis" Zvonecek, as his replacement. He was able to make an impression on his team with his fearless and sometimes impulsive approach to firefighting.
Gallo was also sympathized with for his family history. His parents and sister died in a fire when he was a child, while he was saved by a firefighter. This motivated him to take up the job after growing up.
At Firehouse 51, Gallo built special bonds with some of his team members including Darren Ritter and Violet Mikami. His relationship with Violet remained a highlight of Chicago Fire for four seasons, as the two went from being competitive to flirtatious, and then to business partners.
In Season 11, Gallo got to know that he was not alone in the world when he found out he had an extended family. His Aunt Lacey came to Chicago and reconnected with him, sharing stories of their shared family’s past.
This was a life-altering moment for Gallo as he finally felt he could belong somewhere, after spending years alone. He learned he had cousins, nephews, and nieces, and life was finally giving him a chance to have the family he always lacked.
Hence, Gallo made the emotional decision to leave Chicago and move to Detroit to be with his family and work there as a firefighter. In the Chicago Fire Season 12 premiere, he communicated his wish to his team, who were sad to see him go, but wished him luck.
Why did Alberto Rosende leave Chicago Fire?
Gallo had to be ousted from the storyline as Alberto Rosende was not willing to continue with the show. He officially announced his decision to leave Chicago Fire ahead of the Season 12 premiere in December 2023.
Although Rosende did not reveal the reason behind his departure, he hinted that he was willing to explore other opportunities. The actor wrote on his Instagram stories at the time:
“When I decided to end my time with Chicago, it wasn't easy. The people I've met were truly special, the friendships I've made will last a lifetime, and the story I got to tell was one that made me proud. Can't wait to see what else is in store and I wish everyone the best in shooting the rest of the season.”
Trending
Gallo was briefly replaced by firefighter Derek Gibson, played by Rome Flynn, at Firehouse 51. However, he, too, left the team to deal with a prescription drug abuse issue. Meanwhile, the show continues with other main characters including Kelly Severide, Christopher Herrmann, and Randall "Mouch" McHolland.
Chicago Fire Season 13 airs new episodes on NBC on Wednesdays.
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
