Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 2 hrs ago
Joe Miñoso exits Chicago Fire as the series marks 300 episodes
Chicago Fire marked its 300th episode by saying goodbye to Joe Cruz, played by Joe Miñoso for more than 14 years.
Cruz had been recovering from a serious injury and learned he could return to the firehouse.
After his young son worried about the danger of the job, Cruz decided to retire from firefighting.
The episode also showed Cruz welcoming twin daughters with his wife, Chloe, making him a father of four.
His farewell included an emotional conversation with fellow firefighter Severide and a squad photo.
Miñoso plans to stay connected to the show by directing, after shadowing directors on set.
He says an episode has been assigned to him, but no air date is given.
Joe Miñoso’s Joe Cruz left NBC’s Chicago Fire in the series’ 300th episode.
Cruz retired from firefighting and moved with his family to the Minneapolis area.
The episode showed Cruz recovering from an injury, welcoming twin daughters and deciding not to return to Firehouse 51.
Miñoso said the exit felt like the right time after more than 14 years playing Cruz.
He has been shadowing directors and plans to direct an upcoming episode of the show.
- Who
- Joe Miñoso, who played firefighter Joe Cruz, left Chicago Fire.
- What
- Cruz retired from the firehouse and moved with his family.
- When
- The exit aired in the series’ 300th episode on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
- Where
- The episode said Cruz’s family was relocating to the Minneapolis area.
- Why
- Cruz chose to leave firefighting after his son questioned the danger of the job, and the family needed support and care during his recovery.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Miñoso learned that his character would leave the show.
Chicago Fire aired its 300th episode, in which Cruz retired and left with his family.
Miñoso was offered an opportunity to direct an episode of the show.
- Milestone
- 300th episode of Chicago Fire
- Actor
- Joe Miñoso
- Character
- Joe Cruz
- Time on show
- More than 14 years
- Destination
- Minneapolis area
- Family
- Wife Chloe and their four children, including newborn twin girls
4 sources
Joe Miñoso Talks Cruz’s Exit From ‘Chicago Fire,’ Storylines That Almost Happened & Plans To Direct
Chicago Fire's Joe Miñoso Reflects On Cruz's 'Touching, Beautiful Exit' In Episode 300: 'I Considered It An Honor'
‘Chicago Fire’ Star Joe Miñoso Breaks Down Cruz’s 300th Episode Exit and Coming Back to Direct
What people are saying
The moment that his son, who was named after his best friend who died in the line of duty, says, ‘Can’t someone else’s dad do it?’ I think the decision was made for him
It was ultimately an appropriately timed choice. I think that both the team and I knew it in one way or the other.
This feels like the right time.