Chicago Fire reveals Cruz replacement after beloved character leaves the team

Firehouse 51 has found its answer to one of the biggest questions of Chicago Fire season 15.

While fans were saddened to initially learn of the exit of Joe Cruz (Joe Miñoso), the premiere revealed that the firefighter had suffered a fatal spinal injury that has left him unable to continue his work.

But who would be taking his place in Squad 3? Well, it seems as though we already have our answer – and it's a face that Chicago Fire fans already know.

According to One Chicago Center, the elite rescue unit will be filled not by an established veteran but by candidate firefighter Marcus Burke, played by Da'Vinchi.

Newly released set photos show Da'Vinchi wearing a CFD-issued jacket bearing the Squad 3 logo, a detail his character would only sport as a member of the team, pointing to a call-up once his rotation at Firehouse 51 ends.

The move marks a first for the long-running NBC drama as for the first time in 12 seasons, Squad 3 is welcoming a brand-new member – and never before has the show promoted a candidate straight out of the academy onto the unit.

Showrunner Victor Teran had previously confirmed that Cruz would be replaced on Squad 3, teasing that the choice would be "cool and surprising". Rather than casting a new character, the series has opted to promote from within, handing the vacancy to someone audiences have already had time to get to know. A choice that viewers of the show will undoubtedly enjoy, especially as Burke has already had his own tensions to deal with.

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Burke has already clashed with Vasquez and with the pair now working rival units, the show looks set to revive the kind of competitive dynamic that once defined Severide and Casey. It adds to a turbulent season that has also seen the arrival of Matthew Daddario at Firehouse 51.

It has otherwise been confirmed that Miñoso is leaving the show, an original cast member who has played Cruz since the drama began, departing after 14 seasons. His farewell is set for the series' 300th episode next week on 4 November 2026. But Miñoso's departure is just one of several cast changes this year, with Dermot Mulroney also exiting season 15 as Chief Dom Pascal.

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Authors

Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.