After more than a decade of high-stakes rescues, gut-wrenching losses, and deeply personal moments, Chicago Fire season 13 continues to test the loyalty, resilience, and family bonds at Firehouse 51. Among those caught in the storm is Joe Cruz, played by series veteran Joe Miñoso, who teases that the firefighter’s latest arc will push him into dangerous emotional territory — with ramifications that stretch far beyond the firehouse.
The NBC drama returned on January 8 with its winter premiere, “A Favor,” focusing heavily on Cruz as he confronted Junior’s shocking return. But according to Miñoso, that was just the beginning. With episode 10, “Chaos Theory,” set to debut January 22, Cruz’s struggle to balance his protective instincts with his responsibilities as a firefighter will reach a breaking point.
And as Miñoso reveals, it could leave scars that never fully heal.
“He’s Going To Make Decisions That Put Him In Hot Water”
When asked how Cruz responds to Junior’s release from prison, Miñoso didn’t sugarcoat his answer:
“Poorly. He’s going to make some decisions that really put him in some hot water, and then the ramifications of that are going to really show up in Episode 10.”
Protecting his family has always been Cruz’s north star, but that devotion comes at a cost. Miñoso warns that Cruz’s actions in Chicago Fire season 13 will pull him into “a big old mess,” one that threatens both his career and his peace of mind.
The fallout, however, won’t linger forever. Miñoso confirmed that the Junior storyline will wrap before the highly anticipated One Chicago crossover on January 29 — the first franchise-wide event in six years. Still, the emotional toll will leave a mark.
Cruz’s Career Crossroads: To Lead Or To Stay Put?
Cruz has long been torn between ambition and loyalty to Firehouse 51. While he decided against taking the lieutenant’s exam, Miñoso believes that internal conflict still exists.
“Especially after becoming a father and now really having a taste for leadership, that’s always in the back of his mind. Money is always a thing he’s thinking about, but right now, he’s happy to stay. He’s a family guy. He loves his family, and 51 is, without a doubt, his family.”
That push and pull — between climbing the ranks and remaining grounded in his chosen family — reflects Cruz’s evolution across 13 seasons. For Miñoso, it’s a balance that makes the character deeply relatable.
What Joe Miñoso Wants For Cruz’s Future
When asked what he personally envisions for Cruz’s arc, Miñoso grew reflective:
“At this point, I just want his security. I want him to be safe, and I want him to feel like he’s been a successful father. What else could you want for a life?”
He also expressed gratitude for the wide range of storytelling Cruz has been given — from comic relief to emotional gut-punches. Thirteen years in, Miñoso still sees playing Cruz as one of the most fulfilling experiences of his career.
The Shadow Of Otis: “There Is No Cruz Without Otis”
Of course, no conversation about Cruz is complete without remembering Brian “Otis” Zvonecek (Yuriy Sardarov). Otis’s death in season 8 remains one of Chicago Fire’s most heartbreaking losses, and for Cruz — and Miñoso — the character’s legacy still looms large.
“My son’s name is Otis. That’s how impactful Yuriy is to my life. There is no Cruz without Otis. I think that relationship is what brought audiences to us. They are always one. He is the yin to my yang, for sure.”
Miñoso recalls how he and Sardarov were the last two cast members to join before filming began, bonding instantly and carrying that chemistry into the series. Their brotherhood, both onscreen and off, continues to define Cruz’s journey.
Looking Ahead: A Crossover And A New Firehouse Dynamic
With Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) now leading Firehouse 51, Cruz and the rest of the squad are adjusting to a new style of command following Boden’s promotion to Deputy Commissioner. Miñoso is particularly thrilled about sharing scenes with Mulroney, calling it “an actor’s dream.”
And with the One Chicago crossover looming, Miñoso says the energy on set feels electric:
“There is something super special about these shows, and it is about the people in them. We’re so lucky, and I hope to do it for another 20 years.”
Family, Loyalty & Firehouse 51
At its core, Cruz’s story in season 13 is one of family — both the one he’s built at home and the one he’ll always have at Firehouse 51. Whether facing old ghosts, career uncertainty, or the consequences of his own choices, Cruz remains a character defined by heart and loyalty.
And as Miñoso himself admits, he loves Cruz too much to wish anything but happiness for him:
“Isn’t that what everybody wants for everybody? I think we all want joy for the people we love. And I love Cruz. He’s a noble human. It’s been such an honor to be in his skin for so long.”
✨ Chicago Fire season 13 continues Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, with episode 10, “Chaos Theory,” premiering January 22.
