Chicago PD’s LaRoyce Hawkins wants to ‘marry’ Burgess and Ruzek

Like Us, LaRoyce Hawkins is a big fan of Chicago PDKim Burgess and Adam Ruzek find their happily ever after.

The Illinois native, who plays Kevin Atwater on the NBC series, is exclusively told Us weekly on Monday, June 26 that he was “absolutely” for Burgess (Marina Squerciati) and Ruzek (Patrick Fluger) to end up together in season 11.

“You have to imagine that Atwater is probably tired of hearing them both talk about each other,” Hawkins, 35, said of the fictional TV couple as he explained his collaboration with SimpliSafe for that of the brand 24/7 Live Guard Protection and Smart Alarm Indoor Camera launch.

The South side alum imagined his PD character would say, “Now you guys really just need to get a room and start a life together!” (Burgess and Ruzek finally rekindled their romantic relationship during Season 10 after previously getting engaged, breaking up, and moving in together in past seasons.)

Hawkins, meanwhile, already has a role in mind for Atwater, should Burgess and Ruzek tie the knot during the show.

“This is something a lot of people don’t know about me… I’m certified to marry people,” he said Us, noting that he has officiated a few weddings in his family over the past two years. “I consider Burgess and Ruzek family, and I think Atwater should get first refusal to actually get married [them]. That’s what we want to see.”

Squerciati, for its part, told exclusively Us in March 2022 what she thinks a Burzek wedding might look like later on. “I think they’d invite Voight [Jason Beghe] to marry them and then eat some chips and then never talk about it again and just be together,” she said at the time. “They would do something unconventional or something. I just feel like they are best friends. They’re kind of married already.”

Burgess and Ruzek’s future isn’t the only romance up in the air ahead of Season 11, Hawkins told Us on Monday, he “definitely” hopes Atwater’s story will eventually include a love interest of its own.

“I think that’s what makes well-rounded characters. To be able to feel that bit of romance. That heartbreak or that redemption. I think there’s a lot in that. And that’s fun to discover,” he explained. “So I’m looking forward to doing some of that as well. I can’t say I will. [I] I can’t say I don’t, but I’m done either way.”

The feva actor is also ready for viewers to see more of Atwater and his father, Lew (Eric La Ray Harvey), who came back into his life during season 10.

“I think this [past] season we really saw them struggle. With their relationship, with the rhythm, with communication. And through those struggles that we saw [a] very, I think, human response to how we deal with our personal issues,” Hawkins recalled. “I think the last time we went out with Atwater and his dad we saw them take steps towards improvement and find a calmer rhythm. So I’m looking forward to really exploring that part of their relationship. I think that’s dope for the fans to see.”

Fans will have to wait until Fall 2023 for the return of Chicago PD — but Hawkins is still flexing his cop-like instincts this summer with the help of SimpliSafe.

The Hands up star teamed up with the company on Monday to help launch the two latest innovations: the 24/7 Live Guard Protection and the Smart Alarm Indoor Camera. (The Live Guard protection means agents are able to capture evidence and deter intruders 24/7 by determining in real time if the threat is viable. When combined with the Smart Alarm Indoor Camera, which uses an alarm and live agent voice intervention, SimpliSafe helps stop crime the moment someone breaks in.)

“I’ve been a fake first responder for about 10 seasons now, so I understand the struggle,” Hawkins shared. Us. “I think the disparity between when we have incidents or problems at home and when we can actually get first responders to respond is quite blatant. I also come from a neighborhood where protecting your loved ones is just as important. And it’s important for [our] peace of mind…. to make sure they are in good hands.”

He explained: “When I heard how SimpliSafe simplifies the difference between comfort and safety and how easy it is to do it yourself. [I signed on]. It is not difficult or complicated to understand [the products] and it’s 24/7, especially with this new product that we’re launching. It was a perfect combination.”

Chicago PDThe season 11 premiere date has yet to be announced, but usually airs on NBC Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET. For more information about SimpliSafe, click here.

Sign up for Us Weekly’s free, daily newsletter and never miss the latest news or exclusive stories about your favorite celebrities, TV shows and more!

With reporting by Johnni Macke