What did Chicago Fire star Joe Miñoso say about his character taking the lieutenant test?

Joe Miñoso, the actor who plays Joe Cruz in Chicago Fire, recently shared some thoughts on where his character might be headed in terms of career advancement, especially concerning the much-talked-about lieutenant exam. During an interview with ScreenRant, Miñoso opened up on how becoming a dad and sharing strong ties with Firehouse 51 has influenced his character's choices.

Even though Cruz is eager for a promotion and has what it takes to be a great leader, his dedication to his firefighting family and personal issues could get in the way. The ongoing Season 13 of the show has zeroed in on how Cruz deals with his feelings and job chaos, showing us how much past choices can mess with your present.

Cruz's indecision about taking the test shows he's torn between his career and keeping tight with friends at the firehouse. Miñoso pointed out that fatherhood has changed the game for Cruz, making him think twice about his priorities.

The Chicago Fire actor revealed:

“Money is always a thing he’s thinking about, but I think, right now, there was some great stuff between Severide and Cruz early on in the season that I think brought them closer together.”

This season, with more at stake than ever and his family's future hanging in the balance, Cruz's storyline dives into the show's core.

Joe Cruz's lieutenant test on Chicago Fire

In Chicago Fire Season 13, Joe Cruz's story hits home as he faces a big decision in his work life. His buddies at Firehouse 51, like Herrmann and Mouch, are making moves and climbing the ladder in their careers but Joe's got some reservations about taking the lieutenant's test. It's not like he doesn't have the chops for it — he's been running Squad 3 like a pro for ages now.

However, being a dad now has changed the game for him. He's got a family to think about. The firehouse is not just his workplace. It's his home away from home, full of people he cares about like family.

Miñoso talked about how this new role as a father has weighed on Joe's mind and is a big part of why he's so torn about what to do next:

“Especially as a father who has to take care of two kids who will hopefully end up going to college one day.”

Although getting promoted would be a step up financially, it could also mean saying goodbye to the firehouse and the tight-knit group of people that feels like family. This hits home because many among the audience, too, face similar issues in real life while balancing their career with what's important to them personally.

Cruz’s past decisions on Chicago Fire

Cruz's history keeps playing a role in his life today. Back in Chicago Fire Season 1, he made a tough call to let Flaco, a gang boss, die in a fire to save his sibling. That choice has stuck with him, especially since Flaco's cousin, Junior, has shown up again.

Miñoso talked about how hard it is for Cruz to keep this hidden from Severide, describing it as:

“The worst idea he could have had.”

Chicago Fire shows how vulnerable Cruz is and the moral choices that firefighters deal with all the time. It makes his friendship with Severide even stronger because Severide has a knack for digging into things that can uncover the truth.

As Miñoso pointed out:

“Severide is basically an investigator who cannot stop investigating at his own peril.”

This cranks up the drama between them and keeps Chicago Fire fans guessing.

Cruz’s future at Chicago Fire's Firehouse 51

Cruz is head over heels for Firehouse 51. Miñoso put it best when he said:

“He loves his family, he loves to be around his family, and 51 is, without a doubt, his family.”

But passing the lieutenant test could mean he has to say goodbye to his second home, since he is attached to the crew there. You can see it in the way he vibes with Severide and Boden, and the other important folks on Chicago Fire.

What's going to happen to him this season? Who knows, but Miñoso is doing a fantastic job playing a guy caught between chasing dreams and sticking by his buddies. It's something that makes you feel for the characters and their stories.