Or worse yet, to have him move to a healthier climate while she unaccountably stayed with the force. A clean break was needed to allow Schroder to make his own mark. That's not easily done if the audience constantly is reminded of the character he replaced. Expect the same misgivings Sipowicz had when Bobby became his new partner in November 1994. He got over it, though, and so did the show.
Life goes on.
So to speak.