All the Major ‘Chicago Fire’ Departures in 2026
‘Chicago Fire‘ is undergoing a significant transition in 2026 as the long-running drama moves into Season 15. The flagship series is parting ways with foundational figures both on-screen and behind the scenes, signaling a major reset for Firehouse 51. These departures include longtime cast members as well as core leadership personnel who have shaped the direction of the production.
Joe Miñoso – Joe Cruz
Joe Miñoso is departing ‘Chicago Fire’ during Season 15 after portraying firefighter Joe Cruz since the drama premiered in Season 1. As an original cast member of Firehouse 51, his exit marks the conclusion of one of the longest-running tenures on the series. To provide the character with a proper sendoff, Miñoso will appear in a handful of early episodes to officially wrap up his multi-season arc. His departure concludes an extensive storyline that has followed Cruz through personal milestones and dangerous emergency rescues across more than a decade.
Dermot Mulroney – Chief Dom Pascal
Dermot Mulroney officially exited ‘Chicago Fire’ during the Season 15 premiere following his run as Battalion Chief Dom Pascal. Mulroney joined the cast as the new leader of Firehouse 51, delivering a brief yet intense tenure in command of the station. The production team confirmed that the departure of Chief Pascal was a storyline-driven creative choice rather than an off-screen conflict. His abrupt exit reopens the leadership vacancy at Firehouse 51 as the crew adjusts to ongoing operational changes.
Andrea Newman – Showrunner
Behind the camera, longtime executive producer and showrunner Andrea Newman has stepped down after years of leading ‘Chicago Fire’. Newman served as a central creative voice for the series, steering major plotlines and overseeing the development of key characters. Executive producer Victor Teran has officially taken over the reins to run the flagship drama starting in Season 15. Teran will direct the ongoing narrative direction as the production navigates this transition period.
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