Original Chicago Fire Star Joe Minoso Officially Exits Series After 15 Seasons
A milestone brings a departure
Chicago Fire reached its 300th episode with “Three Hundred,” which aired on NBC. The milestone also marked the exit of Joe Miñoso, who has played firefighter Joe Cruz since the first season.
The series returned for Season 15 on October 7, 2026. The episode’s storyline brings Cruz’s time at Firehouse 51 to an end.
Cruz chooses family and recovery
Cruz decides against returning to Firehouse 51 after his wife, Chloe, played by Kristen Gutoskie, gives birth. He chooses to relocate with his family to Minneapolis. The move will put them closer to Chloe’s mother. Cruz will also continue his rehabilitation at a specialized recovery center there.
Other changes in Season 15
Dermot Mulroney also left after two seasons as Battalion Chief Dominic “Dom” Pascal. The returning cast includes Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg, Joe Miñoso, Christian Stolte, Miranda Rae Mayo and Hanako Greensmith.
Key points
- Joe Miñoso has exited Chicago Fire in its fifteenth season.
- His character, Joe Cruz, leaves Firehouse 51 after his wife gives birth.
- Cruz moves to Minneapolis to be near family and continue rehabilitation.
- The departure is part of the show’s 300th episode, “Three Hundred.”