Kara Killmer, who has played the character Sylvie Brett for 199 episodes on the hit TV show “Chicago Fire,” is bidding farewell to the series. In her final appearance on the February 28 episode, Brett marries Matt Casey, portrayed by Jesse Spencer, and moves to Portland with him. Killmer describes her departure as bittersweet but more sweet than bitter, as she is happy that Sylvie gets her happy ending and sees it as a great closure for her tenure.
For Killmer, Brett marrying Casey is the natural end to her storyline. Sylvie came to Chicago seeking a fresh start after being left at the altar, and now she ends up marrying the love of her life and forming a patchwork family. Killmer believes it’s a perfect ending for her character and can’t think of anything better.
Spencer’s character, Casey, had previously left the show in Season 10 when he moved to Oregon. However, he returned last season and proposed to Brett. At the start of Season 12, Brett announces to the firehouse that she is moving to be with Casey after their wedding.
Killmer emphasizes that it wouldn’t have felt right if Sylvie’s exit didn’t involve Matt Casey. She mentions that every time Jesse comes back into town, everyone is ecstatic and wants their captain back. The wedding episode becomes a family reunion of sorts, which adds to the joyous atmosphere.
While Killmer wasn’t immediately written off when Spencer left the show, she acknowledges that it made sense for her character’s journey to come to an end at this point. Last season, there were hints that Brett was trying to let go of Casey and pursue a serious relationship with Dylan, but it didn’t work out. Killmer believes the audience felt the same way, and the writers saw a natural progression for Brett’s character.
Killmer expresses gratitude for being brought back for six episodes before her departure. She acknowledges that it would have been easy for the show to start the season with a mention of Brett settling in Portland, but she appreciates that they gave her and the fans the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to Sylvie.
Throughout her time on “Chicago Fire,” Killmer feels privileged to have portrayed a first responder and to have worked alongside real paramedics and firefighters. She admires their resilience in dealing with loss and trauma while still choosing to serve strangers and rush into danger.
Looking ahead, Killmer is excited about new projects and is open to upcoming roles in TV, film, or theater. She acknowledges that being on a Dick Wolf show for 10 years is a miracle and a privilege, but she is eager to bring the magic she has learned on “Fire” to new sets.
“Chicago Fire” is produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment.