Joe Cruz (Joe Miñoso) is no stranger to facing challenges on Chicago Fire, but Season 13 has pushed him to his limits, both professionally and personally. With his past haunting him and his career on the line, fans have been left wondering: Is Cruz leaving Firehouse 51?
Cruz’s Past Comes Back to Haunt Him
Since his introduction in Season 1, Cruz has been one of Firehouse 51’s most dependable and beloved members. However, his journey has been riddled with challenges, including a dark secret stemming from his early days on the show.
Years ago, Cruz made a life-altering decision during a fire at a gang stash house. Instead of saving Flaco Rodriguez, the leader of the Insane Kings gang who had endangered his family, Cruz lied about the building being empty, leaving Flaco to perish in the flames. Although Cruz believed this chapter of his life was behind him, Season 13 has unearthed these buried secrets, with devastating consequences.
Cruz’s cousin and former gang member, Junior, reappeared with damaging knowledge of Cruz’s actions. Using this information as leverage, Junior coerced Cruz into helping him rob another stash house. The heist spiraled out of control, leading to a deadly shootout in which Cruz was injured and Junior was killed.
Caught in a Web of Lies
The fallout from this incident left Cruz scrambling to keep his secret safe. As Firehouse 51’s new chief, Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), started investigating Cruz’s erratic behavior, the walls began closing in. To make matters worse, an informant came forward with details about the 12-year-old stash house fire, prompting Chief Pascal to request an investigation from arson expert Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney).
Cruz’s guilt finally drove him to confess everything to Severide, who advised against going to the police, reasoning that there was no evidence to support the informant’s claims. Despite this reassurance, Cruz couldn’t shake the weight of his actions.
Cruz’s Moment of Truth
Determined to take accountability, Cruz approached Chicago P.D.’s Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) and confessed his role in Flaco’s death. However, just as it seemed Cruz’s career and freedom were at stake, the District Attorney revealed there was no physical evidence or credible witnesses to substantiate the informant’s claims. As a result, Cruz was cleared of criminal charges.
While this development spared Cruz from legal consequences, his actions didn’t go unnoticed by Chief Pascal. In a tense meeting back at Firehouse 51, Pascal handed Cruz a two-week suspension without pay for lying to his superiors and withholding critical information.
A Redeeming Moment for Cruz
Despite the disciplinary action, Cruz’s heartfelt explanation for his confession earned Pascal’s respect. When asked why he confessed despite knowing he could walk away unscathed, Cruz responded, “I want to be the man my son thinks I am.”
Pascal acknowledged the sincerity of Cruz’s words, telling him, “I’d say that’s a worthy goal.” With that, Cruz was temporarily dismissed, but his place at Firehouse 51 remains secure.
Is Cruz Leaving Firehouse 51?
For now, fans can rest assured that Joe Cruz is not leaving Chicago Fire. Although his recent actions have placed him under intense scrutiny, his determination to uphold his integrity and be a role model for his family has solidified his place at Firehouse 51.
As Cruz takes his two-week suspension, viewers can expect to see him return with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to proving himself to his colleagues and loved ones.
