In Honor of Jesse Lee Soffer

Jesse Lee Soffer has been portraying Detective Jay Halstead on Wolf Entertainment & NBC's Chicago PD for just over a decade. As one of the original cast members, fans were saddened a few weeks into the production of Season 10 that Jesse would be leaving the show.

Jesse is an incredible actor who has brought so much joy, compassion, and storytelling not only to millions of fans every week but to the character of Jay Halstead.

Soffer and his portrayal of Detective Jay Halstead make up one half of one of primetime's most beloved couples, Upstead. Jay Halstead and Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) have become one of the most loved couples not only on primetime but within the One Chicago universe.

Over the past ten days since his departure was announced, fans have been outraged and confused, flocking to social media seeking answers from NBC, Wolf Entertainment, and other sources, only to be left with nothing. Soffer offered his condolences, stating he was grateful for his time as Detective Jay Halstead and will miss working with his cast and crew.

Fans have started a petition to keep Jay Halstead on their screens, amassing nearly 2500 signatures.

While it has not been confirmed whether or not it was Soffer's own decision to leave the One Chicago world, and with other Wolf Entertainment actors leaving (Kelli Giddish/SVU), and budget cuts across NBC, fans are speculating that he was forced out.

In lieu of this, fans have been fighting back for the past ten days on social media. Seeking answers and using the power of social media to get the attention of NBC, Wolf Entertainment, and more. We are using this GoFundMe to raise funds for the 100 Club of Chicago.

"The 100 Club of Illinois provides resources, several forms of financial support, access to training, and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders throughout the state of Illinois. All sworn federal, state, county and local first responders stationed in Illinois are included." (x)

You can find information about their programs here.

We are humbled to be able to help a charity that they have donated to before and mirrors the character we have come to know and love.