Original ‘Chicago Fire’ Star Officially Exits Series After 15 Seasons

Joe Miñoso has left *Chicago Fire* after 15 seasons, with his departure shown in the series’ 300th episode. His character, firefighter Joe Cruz, decides not to return to Firehouse 51, choosing to focus on his family and recovery instead.

Cruz has been rehabilitating after a spine injury and had hoped to resume firefighting within months. After his wife Chloe gives birth to twin daughters, he moves with his family to Minneapolis to be near her mother and continue treatment at a specialist centre. He says goodbye to his colleagues and visits the memorial to his late friend Otis.