In the last year, “Chicago Fire” has seen numerous promotions, impacting key characters significantly. Chief Wallace
Boden, portrayed by Eamonn Walker, has moved on from Firehouse 51 to become the Deputy Fire Commissioner.
Christopher Herrmann, played by David Eigenberg, has recently passed his captain exam, while Mouch, portrayed
by Christian Stolte, has excelled in his lieutenant exam. With these changes, fans are left wondering who might be next in line for a promotion.
Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd are already accomplished firefighters, while other characters are still years away from such career advancements. One character who qualifies for a promotion is Joe Cruz, but the actor who plays him, Joe Minoso, has advised fans not to expect a promotion for Cruz anytime soon. In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Minoso explained that Cruz is not seeking to advance in his career due to his recent transition into fatherhood. He is prioritizing stability above all else and is content working alongside Severide on Squad 3. “I think, especially after becoming a father and now really having a taste for leadership,” Minoso noted, mentioning that Cruz has been the acting lieutenant on Squad 3 for the past couple of years.
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Minoso elaborated on the various factors Cruz is considering. The safety and well-being of his family are paramount, as he wants to be present for his sons’ upbringing. Additionally, Cruz values his position at Firehouse 51 due to the strong friendships he has built throughout his time on the show. A promotion to lieutenant could mean transferring to another firehouse, which is something he wishes to avoid at this moment, especially since he has a favorable working relationship with Kelly Severide.
Furthermore, Cruz’s financial considerations are ever-present, as he is aware of the responsibilities that come with being a parent. “That’s always in the back of his mind, especially as a father who has to take care of two kids who will hopefully end up going to college one day,” Minoso explained. The bond between Cruz and Severide has deepened recently, highlighted by some significant moments in the season. However, there’s also a looming concern over Cruz’s involvement in several criminal acts during the episode titled “A Favor.” He participated in the theft of Firehouse 51 equipment and aided an ex-con in a robbery attempt, which resulted in him getting shot in the arm. If he’s caught, these actions could jeopardize his career. Given this precarious situation and his reluctance to seek a promotion, it’s clear why Cruz is currently focused on maintaining his role at Firehouse 51 rather than pursuing advancement.