Everything you need to know about Gallo before Chicago Fire S12

Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende) has been a reliable Chicago Fire character. He rarely commands the spotlight, but he's been involved in some compelling storylines, and he always brings good energy to the firehouse. The thing is, Gallo's days are numbered. The character is going to leave Chicago Fire in the season 12 premiere.

It was a pretty shocking development on the part of the showrunners and producers, especially given that there was no suggestion of his exit in season 11. We felt it would be useful to give fans a recap of Gallo and the important things to note about him as we gear up for his departure, so that we can all be prepared for what happens to him (fingers crossed its not death).

Blake Gallo lost his family in a fire at age 12

A huge aspect of Gallo's life that typically gets forgotten is his childhood. Despite having a chipper demeanor most of the time, the character suffered a devastating loss when his parents and his sister were killed in a house fire. He was only 12 years old at the time, and the only reason he didn't perish as well were the efforts of Firehouse 131.

The members of Firehouse 131 would check in on Gallo from time to time, which is partially why he decided to become a firefighter when he was an adult. This tragic origin lends additional heft to his near-death experience in season 11 (the episode where Hawkins dies).

Related: Chicago Fire reveals when Gallo will leave

It would also prove devastating if the fan theories are correct, and Gallo does die in the season 12 premiere (again, fingers crossed he doesn't).

Blake Gallo was promoted to Squad in season 11

Blake Gallo is an integral part of the 51. He's a talented firefighter, as evidenced by the fact that Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) took him under his wing in season 8, and continued to push him to get better. The push helped, as Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) eventually promoted Gallo to join the 51 Squad in season 11.

It was a big decision for Gallo, but it marked a progression from talented newcomer to established vet within the firehouse. Shortly before he left the 51, Casey said that Gallo had officially become part of the "old guard", which obviously meant the world to him.

Gallo's ambitions and talents are what make his decision to leave the 51 so confusing. They are also part of why fans are concerned that his exit may not be by choice i.e. career-ending injury or death.

Blake Gallo remains friends with his ex-girlfriend Violet

Blake Gallo's dynamic with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) has been one of the most complicated in the entire show. They were friends with benefits, then they were in a relationship, then they were at each other's throats, and now, it seems, they are just friends.

Violet has been through some traumatic events in recent seasons (the aforementioned death of Hawkins being the most notable), and it's a testament to Gallo that he has been supportive and encouraging without trying to benefit from Violet's loneliness.

Related: Did Gallo and Violet ever officially date?

It's unlikely that the two will ever rekindle their romance, but as Gallo prepares to leave the 51, we can't help but single out Violet as the person he will miss the most. These two will forever be linked.

Blake Gallo has reconnected with his aunt Lacey

Another important relationship to consider as we move into season 12. Blake Gallo has not been close with his extended family, but a car accident involving his aunt, Lacey Hoffman (Elizabeth Ledo), led to them reconnecting.

Lacey spent time at Gallo's house and even surprised him with groceries at one point during season 11, suggesting that they could develop a healthy dynamic in the future. Depending on what happens to Gallo in season 12, his aunt could play a significant role in the next chapter of his life.