Alberto Rosende is keeping 'Chicago Fire' close to heart after leaving the series, says 'it wasn't easy'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Alberto Rosende bid adieu to 'Chicago Fire' last week but the actor is keeping the popular NBC series close to his heart. Rosende, who played firefighter Blake Gallo since season 8, will make his final appearance in the show's season 12 premiere in January.

The 30-year-old actor briefly spoke about his time on the series as he briefly detailed about the shakeup in an Instagram Story on Saturday, December 2. He said how "proud" he was of the work he's done through the project.

What did Alberto Rosende say?

"When I decided to end my time with Chicago, it wasn't easy," Rosende wrote, qs per Deadline. "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," he further said, adding "Can't wait to see what else is in store and I wish everyone the best in shooting the rest of the season." 

When did Alberto Rosende join the show?

Rosende joined the popular drama in its eighth season, playing new Firehouse 51 candidate Blake Gallo. The character's four-season arc included an on-screen romance with Hanako Greensmith's Violet Mikami.

However, before a fling emerged between them, Rosende was unsure if love was in the cards for the two characters, especially given Violet's romantic ties to Jimmy Nicholas' Evan Hawkins, who died in the season 11 episode 'Completely Shattered.'

"Hawkins and Violet's relationship is actually really a beautiful thing to see," Rosende said in October 2022, as per Looper.

"If anything were to happen to them, I think the audience would be crushed. So, I don't know anything can happen [with them breaking up]. In terms of her and Gallo, they're in a place where they're kind of in this middle ground and they both need to keep growing and evolving. Nothing's off the table," he said.

Alberto Rosende's departure isn't the only change coming to Firehouse 51

Rosende's departure isn't the only change coming to 'Firehouse 51' while going into season 12. Multiple outlets reported last month that Kara Killmer, who has played paramedic Sylvie Brett since season 3, will also be exiting the series during season 12.

However, Taylor Kinney will make his long-awaited return as Lieutenant Kelly Severide in season 12. His comeback comes after it was confirmed in January that Kinney, 42, was taking a leave of absence to "deal with a personal matter." Season 12 of 'Chicago Fire' premieres on Wednesday, January 17, at 9 pm on NBC.