Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 4 hrs ago
Joe Miñoso to Leave Chicago Fire in Its 300th Episode
Joe Miñoso is leaving Chicago Fire in the show’s 300th episode, airing November 4.
He has played firefighter Joe Cruz, an original cast member, for 15 years.
Cruz was badly injured in a warehouse fire at the end of last season and began the new season with a fractured back, unable to work as a firefighter.
The character is continuing his recovery, and the show has not disclosed exactly how his departure will unfold.
Miñoso said he was shocked by the decision but proud of Cruz’s growth from an aimless young firefighter into a leader and father.
The milestone episode will focus on Cruz, with the showrunner saying the story will explore his family and future.
The episode will give the character a final send-off when it airs on November 4.
Joe Miñoso’s final episode as firefighter Joe Cruz on Chicago Fire will be the show’s 300th episode, airing November 4, 2026.
Cruz was left with a fractured spine after a warehouse fire and can no longer continue working at Firehouse 51.
Miñoso said he was shocked by the character’s exit but understood the decision.
He said he discussed ideas for Cruz’s departure with the writing team.
Miñoso will return later in the season to direct an episode.
- Who
- Joe Miñoso, who plays firefighter Joe Cruz, is leaving Chicago Fire as a cast member.
- What
- Cruz’s final episode is the show’s 300th episode.
- When
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Firehouse 51 is the station Cruz can no longer work at. The show airs on NBC.
- Why
- Cruz suffered a fractured spine in a warehouse fire and is unable to continue as a firefighter.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A massive warehouse fire left Cruz with a fractured spine.
The show revealed Cruz’s injury and that he could no longer do his job.
Yahoo reported that the 300th episode would be Miñoso’s final episode as Cruz.
Miñoso discussed his departure and Cruz’s exit with TV Insider.
The 300th episode, Cruz’s final episode, is scheduled to air.
- Actor
- Joe Miñoso
- Character
- Joe Cruz, firefighter
- Milestone
- 300th episode of Chicago Fire
- Air date
- November 4, 2026
- Injury
- Fractured spine
- Return
- Miñoso is set to direct an episode later in the season.
3 sources
What people are saying
Shock.
I owe him everything.
It's going to be an emotional rollercoaster.