Chicago Fire Alum Kara Killmer Celebrates Life’s Newest Adventure: The Arrival of Her First Baby

Fans of the long-running NBC procedural Chicago Fire have another reason to celebrate this week. Kara Killmer, beloved by millions for her portrayal of paramedic Sylvie Brett, has officially stepped into a new role off-screen: motherhood. Recent reports have confirmed that the actress and her husband, actor Andrew Cheney, have welcomed their first child, marking a joyous new chapter for the couple who have been married since 2016.

The news comes as a delightful surprise to many in the “One Chicago” fandom, who have closely followed Killmer’s journey both on and off the set. While the actress has historically maintained a degree of privacy regarding her personal life, the excitement surrounding the arrival of “Baby Cheney” has been impossible to contain. The couple, who met while filming the 2015 period drama Beyond the Mask, have often been praised by fans for their grounded and supportive relationship.

For ten seasons, Killmer was a staple of Firehouse 51, providing the emotional heart of the show’s medical drama. Her departure from the series in 2024 was a bittersweet moment for viewers, as her character, Sylvie Brett, finally received her “happily ever after” by marrying Matthew Casey (played by Jesse Spencer) and moving to Oregon to start a family. Real life now appears to be imitating art, as Killmer embarks on her own family journey shortly after her character’s onscreen exit.

While specific details regarding the baby’s name and exact birth date have been kept relatively private to honor the family’s intimacy, sources close to the couple describe them as “overjoyed” and “deeply grateful.” Killmer has previously spoken about the importance of work-life balance and the strength she draws from her faith and family, qualities that fans believe will make her an exceptional mother.

The “One Chicago” family was quick to offer their congratulations. Social media has been flooded with well-wishes from former co-stars and crew members, many of whom worked alongside Killmer for nearly a decade. The bond between the Chicago Fire cast is famously tight-knit, often described as a real-life family, and the arrival of a new member has clearly touched those who saw Killmer grow from a series newcomer into one of the show’s most veteran leads.

For fans, the news is a heartwarming update on an actress who spent years helping others—at least fictionally—on the streets of Chicago. As Killmer takes time away from the spotlight to focus on her newborn, the legacy of Sylvie Brett remains a fan favorite, now topped with the real-life joy of her growing family.

As the couple settles into the sleepless nights and incomparable rewards of new parenthood, the entertainment world is sending nothing but love to Kara, Andrew, and their new little one. Whether she eventually returns to the screen or chooses to focus on this new chapter, one thing is certain: Kara Killmer’s latest production is undoubtedly her most important one yet.