Chicago PD star reveals why Ruzek has an issue with Burgess' promotion

It's been a big season for Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati). She has been promoted to detective, making her the second highest-ranking member of Chicago PD's main cast, behind Hank Voight (Jason Beghe). She's got more responsibility than ever, but she's also going to have to contend with the mixed feelings of her fiance and co-worker, Adam Ruzek.

Burgess and Ruzek have been through a lot together, and their bond is stronger than ever. Burgess getting promoted, however, has brought out some conflicted emotions in the the latter. Patrick John Flueger discussed this conflict during a 2024 interview with CinemaBlend.

Adam Ruzek is worried about Burgess' safety

Flueger freely admitted that Burgess' increased responsibility has Ruzek worried that she will be put at risk on a more consistent basis. It's not envy motivating his mixed feelings regarding the promotion but the concern that Burgess will be less safe.

"[Ruzek] wants to have eyes on her," Flueger told the outlet. "You know what I mean? He wants to know that he has some control over her safety." The actor provided additional context for Ruzek's feelings, and pointed to the tragic season 12 death of officer Emily Martel (Victoria Cartagena) as cause for his current state of mind.

"Losing Martel made him realize that all of these people that he loves are constantly, constantly, constantly in danger," the actor added. Ruzek was accompanying Martel when she was shot and killed, but he couldn't do anything to protect her. He was dumbstruck in the moment, and it's easy to see why the character would be worried about the same thing occurring to his future spouse.

Martel's death made Ruzek's concerns even worse

It doesn't help that Burgess has been put at risk by Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar). She agreed to cover for the younger officer when he struck up a romance with an ex-informant, and while they were able to get out of the situation with their lives and jobs intact, there does appear to be some collateral damage.

Chief Reid (Steve Hatosy) informed Voight that he wants to be "friends" with him and the rest of the IU, and while not specified, there did appear to be a tacit acknowledgment that Reid has dirt on Torres, Burgess, and the rest of the unit.

We suggest keeping a close eye on Ruzek as season 12 unfolds. The character is on the cusp of becoming a husband, and as such, he's never been more concerned about the well being of Kim Burgess.