Sergeant Esterhaus dies unexpectedly and the whole station house tries to deal with their grief as they eulogize the man. Meanwhile, Leo finds out his wife is cheating on him; Bates may get a unique promotion; Mrs. Furillo is mistakenly arrested for soliciting by a rookie; Sandy is raped.

Renko erupts in jealousy over Daryl Ann's business partner; Flaherty allows his feelings for Russo to interfere in a bust; Calletano returns to Hill Street when a Spanish speaking citizen is shot by a cop unable to understand him; and Kate McBride relives her father's death at an awards ceremony.