Summary

• Adam Ruzek stands out in Chicago P.D. for his natural police instincts, dedication, and selflessness, making the show more compelling.
• Kim Burgess serves as the moral com of Chicago P.D., representing the growth of a dedicated officer devoted to serving the public good and elevating the show with her comion.
• Kevin Atwater brings a unique perspective to Chicago P.D. and is a stand-out character due to his commitment to justice and comion, making him one of the best in the One Chicago universe.

Dick Wolf universe, One Chicago encomes a series of interconnected NBC dramas following the fictional first responders of Chicago. Launching with 2012's Chicago Fire, a show centered on a firehouse crew, the franchise expanded to include the Chicago P.D. police procedural, and Chicago Med’s hospital drama. With ambitious crossovers linking the storylines and characters between Chicago Fire, P.D., and Med, One Chicago delivers some of television’s most compelling programming.

Nearly all the characters, whether firefighters, cops, or doctors, find themselves tested in high-stakes situations, revealing fascinating personalities under pressure. Though viewers surely have their favorites, the most beloved characters stand out for embodying essential traits like courage, morality, and the ability to think quickly when lives are on the line. As they grapple with life-or-death stakes week after week, the characters who rise to the challenge with their conviction and values intact demonstrate what it takes to be an exceptional first responder. And it is these complex characters who deserve to be counted among the best in the entire One Chicago universe.

10 Adam Ruzek From Chicago P.D.

Portrayed By Patrick Flueger

Adam Ruzek, a detective on the NBC drama Chicago P.D., immediately stands out for his natural police instincts. Right after graduating from the academy, he is recruited into the elite Intelligence Unit, sidestepping the usual patrol officer requirements due to his impressive talents. Ruzek earns respect through his dedication and loyalty to the job and his colleagues. For example, Adam selflessly takes responsibility for a mistake in order to protect a fellow officer, temporarily losing his own job in the process. With his quick instincts, willingness to sacrifice himself for the team, and lighthearted interactions, Ruzek is engaging and makes Chicago P.D. more compelling.

9 Kim Burgess From Chicago P.D.

Portrayed By Marina Squerciati

As a patrol officer turned detective, Kim Burgess is the moral com of Chicago P.D. Despite witnessing unimaginable violence, Burgess has retained her empathy and idealism. Her promotion was long-awaited, given her skills improving due to numerous harrowing experiences. Though not without flaws and an often messy personal life, Burgess evolved into one of the team's most valued assets. Burgess represents the growth of a dedicated officer devoted to serving the public good. Burgess lends heart and conscience to a gritty group, while also demonstrating tenacity and courage equal to her colleagues. Ultimately, she elevates the show with her comion.

8 Kevin Atwater From Chicago P.D.

Portrayed By LaRoyce Hawkins

Kevin Atwater brings a unique and invaluable perspective to Chicago P.D. Having grown up in a neighborhood plagued by gang violence and racial profiling, Atwater keenly understands the challenges facing both the community and police. Though he has faced struggles and adversity, Atwater perseveres in advocating for reform and ability. At the same time, Atwater demonstrates integrity, courage under fire, and steadfast nobility. His complexity and morality make him a stand-out on the gritty crime drama. Because Atwater represents the best of police work, with a dedication to both justice and comion, Atwater is worth being considered one of the best.

7 Dr. Daniel Charles From Chicago Med

Portrayed By Oliver Platt

Dr. Daniel Charles is the Chief of Psychiatry at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center on Chicago Med and stands out as a comionate mentor and talented psychiatrist. Played skillfully by Oliver Platt, Charles connects with patients on a profound level, dedicating his time to simply listening and counseling them with wisdom and warmth. His approach envisions mental healthcare at its best: kind, patient-centered, and devoid of bureaucracy. In addition, his subtle wit and humor add a lightness without undermining the gravity of his duties. While engaging in an endearing workplace romance with Liliana and guiding young psychiatrists, Charles lights up the screen with his empathy and humanity.

6 Stella Kidd From Chicago Fire

Portrayed By Miranda Rae Mayo

As one of the bravest firefighters on Chicago Fire, Stella Kidd repeatedly proves her strength while facing immense danger. In a memorable season 4 episode, she nearly loses a lung battling an apartment high-rise fire, yet fearlessly confronts the next emergency without hesitation. Kidd is constantly putting herself at considerable risk, sometimes more than her peers, cementing her reputation for courage. Beyond lifesaving heroics, Kidd also inspires through her determined leadership, rising to lieutenant and launching "Girls on Fire" to mentor future female firefighters. With deeper development than many characters and a compelling arc showcasing both grit and heart, Stella Kidd adds a compelling dynamic to Chicago Fire.

5 Crockett Marcel From Chicago Med

Portrayed By Dominic Rains

Dr. Crockett Marcel came onto Chicago Med as a sharp-witted rising star. Played by Dominic Rains, Marcel balances his ion for cutting-edge techniques with a drive to achieve the best patient outcomes. Though his ego can sometimes rub colleagues the wrong way, Marcel's gusto for medical advancement aligns with his desire to mentor developing talent. He truly shines when championing causes with persuasive conviction, while inspiring coworkers and superiors. Blending medical precision with emotional intensity, Marcel is easily one of the best characters in the One Chicago universe.

4 Leslie Shay From Chicago Fire

Portrayed By Lauren German

The tragic death of paramedic Leslie Shay in Chicago Fire's season 2 finale still resonates as one of the show’s saddest losses. Played by Lauren German, Shay emerged as a favorite despite her flaws. Though she struggled with personal demons, Shay showed selfless comion on the job while fiercely advocating for vulnerable patients. Her complexity drove compelling arcs while her humor added much-needed brevity. Shay also demonstrated humility and was quick to reevaluate conflicts when she made a mistake. Ultimately, Shay represents humanity's capacity for sacrifice in that she always prioritizes the safety of others over her own.

3 Wallace Boden From Chicago Fire

Portrayed By Eamonn Walker

As the powerful, yet comionate head of Firehouse 51 on Chicago Fire, Chief Wallace Boden is the perfect example of balanced leadership. Portrayed by Eamonn Walker, Boden commands loyalty through his ability to make tough calls without losing sight of his team’s humanity. He is not afraid of criticism, as he stands firm when committed to his moral values. This is shown when he orders firefighters to abandon an unsalvageable building despite significant blowback. While this decision triggered a lawsuit, Boden remained steadfast, willing to fall on his sword to prevent unnecessary risk.

2 Jay Halstead From Chicago P.D.

Portrayed By Jesse Lee Soffer

Though Detective Jay Halstead's exit was surprising, he is one of Chicago P.D.'s best characters. His background as an Army Ranger makes him a tactical asset, while his empathy balances the team’s tougher cops. Halstead’s magnetism, however, undoubtedly drives his narrative with Gabriela, Erin, and Hailey among other multiple love interests playing roles in his story. This complexity renders Halstead more of a soap opera character, yet showcases sensitivity that grounds the high-stakes action. Halstead’s relationships highlight a protective loyalty toward those he cares for most, and his central role effortlessly blends action with emotion to deliver a compelling character.

1 Kelly Severide From Chicago Fire

Portrayed By Taylor Kinney

As a longtime lieutenant on Chicago Fire, Kelly Severide leads missions into the most dangerous disasters in the One Chicago universe. Played by Taylor Kinney, Severide’s dedication sparks frequent conflict when he allows emotion to dictate questionable decisions. However, this fiery ion to keep civilians and colleagues safe is what ultimately drives his excellence as a firefighter and leader. While Severide struggles at times to temper his protectiveness with level-headed guidance, Severide remains someone that the team rallies behind thanks to his courage under dire circumstances. Whether he is conducting off-the-books investigations, or pursuing romantic entanglements, Kinney brings an unruly charm to Severide’s heroics.