Joe Miñoso Reflects on Cruz’s Chicago Fire Departure and What’s Next

WHO:

ComingSoon.net - Joe Miñoso plays firefighter Joe Cruz on NBC’s *Chicago Fire*.

Deadline - Miñoso portrayed Joe Cruz for more than 14 years and had been on the show since Season 1.

Variety - Taylor Kinney reflected on the show’s 300th episode and said goodbye to Joe Cruz.

WHAT:

ComingSoon.net - Miñoso discussed the emotional toll and “grief” of leaving *Chicago Fire* after 15 seasons, Cruz’s farewell, his future as a director, and a final scene with Taylor Kinney.

Deadline - Cruz’s departure was part of the show’s 300th episode, “Three Hundred,” which was also Miñoso’s final episode as a regular cast member.

Deadline - The articles describe Cruz’s exit in Season 15, Episode 5, titled “Three Hundred.”

ComingSoon.net - Miñoso is expected to continue working on *Chicago Fire* as a director later in the season.

Variety - Kinney said he had never expected to reach the show’s 300th episode or to star in it for 15 seasons.

WHERE:

Deadline - The departure occurs in the fictional world of Firehouse 51 on NBC’s *Chicago Fire*.

Variety - Kinney recalled attending NBC Upfronts in New York while the show was entering Season 2 or 3.

WHEN:

Deadline - Miñoso’s final episode coincides with the series’ 300th episode, “Three Hundred.”

WHY:

ComingSoon.net - Miñoso described the departure as emotionally difficult and associated it with grief; the supplied article text does not give a specific reason for his exit.

HOW:

ComingSoon.net - Miñoso’s on-screen departure includes a farewell scene with Taylor Kinney, and he plans to continue contributing to the series behind the camera as a director.

(UPDATED November 5, 2026 07:01 UTC)

Joe Miñoso exited *Chicago Fire* after 15 seasons, in the show’s 300th episode. His character, firefighter Joe Cruz, received a farewell scene with Taylor Kinney. Miñoso says leaving feels like grief, but plans to direct episodes later this season.