Cruz Chooses Family Move to Minneapolis as Joe Miñoso Talks Chicago Fire Exit

Cruz chooses family and recovery

In the episode “Three Hundred,” Cruz makes major progress in physical therapy, walking hundreds of steps at a time. He is nearing a return to the firehouse, pending an occupational health evaluation, when his premature twin babies arrive healthy.

Seeing how much his family needs him, Cruz tells Severide he will not return to Firehouse 51. The family plans to relocate near Minneapolis, where Chloe’s parents can help and Cruz can receive better care at a local recovery center. Severide tries to persuade him to stay, but Cruz is firm.

Cruz tells Severide, “You taught me everything I know,” adding that Severide will teach the next firefighter. Before leaving, Cruz shares a moment at Otis’ memorial site and takes one last uniform photo with Rescue Squad 3.

A farewell in episode 300

The milestone episode marks Miñoso’s departure after playing Cruz since the show’s pilot. Season 15 had set up the character’s exit through an on-the-job injury that put his future as a firefighter in doubt.

Cruz’s fellow firefighters make clear how much they will miss him. His younger son’s question about why another child’s father cannot take over Cruz’s duties captures the family’s sadness at the prospect of his return to work.

Miñoso reflects on leaving

Miñoso said the decision came from the show’s creative direction, though he had also felt it might be time to move on after the character’s story had covered so much. When the twins storyline developed, he felt the timing was right and understood the decision.

He praised the multi-episode sendoff and said showrunner Victor Teran spoke openly with him about ideas for the show. Miñoso said he was grateful that some of his suggestions were used, and that he was later asked to direct episodes.