While Chicago Fire absolutely is a show about firefighters, the core of the show has become the interpersonal relationships and the familial bond that have kept these characters together for so long. Those relationships are the ones that have kept fans engaged for over ten seasons, but they are also one of the reasons why one particular character hasn’t chased a higher rank.
Every firefighter has had their own journey on their show. From personal wins and losses to career-changing moments. For Joe Cruz, we have seen it all. We have seen him date Sylvie, Delia, and Zoya before finally marrying Chloe. He went from a guy whose family was reduced to a brother and an uncle to the father of two boys.
Cruz’s career has taken him from bouncer and engineer to zumba instructor and entrepreneur. But the true core of his professional soul has always stuck to being a firefighter. We have seen him drive Truck 81 to later become a member of Rescue Squad 3. His path at Firehouse 81 has been full of challenges and obstacles to overcome, but Cruz has always risen to the occasion.
The fire (no pun intended) that lit inside him the moment he joined this firehouse has made him a perfect example of someone who loves his career and will do everything it takes to keep going. This is why we have seen him rise to Fire Lieutenant so many times before, in the absence of Severide.
Truthfully, it’s no surprise that the characters move around within the firehouse. Stella is a great example of this as someone who was promoted to Lieutenant and now leads a team. The big difference, however, is that Cruz doesn’t seem to be looking for that promotion. He is happy to jump in and cover for someone else, but isn’t willingly looking to be pushed higher.
Recently, Joe Miñoso gave an interview to TV Insider in which he discussed the reason for Cruz’s lack of interest in a promotion or a higher rank. His answer was tightly connected to his personal experience with the show, cast, and crew, and the fact that they have all become a big family.
“I think that Cruz has the exact same sort of experience. He recognizes that becoming a lieutenant would be helpful in moving up in rank, which would lead to perhaps a better paycheck and better pension,” he explained. “Once you are mixed into the stew that is Firehouse 51, you become one of the main ingredients and it becomes impossible to leave because it won’t be the same without you. That’s why you find Cruz, as much as he may want to move up and become a lieutenant, not really interested in leaving the family that he has at 51.”
While it would be absolutely incredible to watch Cruz continue to grow in this profession, it would hurt to watch him leave Firehouse 51. He is such an important part of the house, of this family, that his absence would be noticed more than his ascension.
That's not to say we wouldn't love to see him get the chance to move up in his career and take on new opportunities, but we'd love to see those opportunities presented to him at Firehouse 51.