'Chicago Fire' original cast member makes bombshell decision after 15 seasons

Chicago Fire fans get a shock after Joe Miñoso, a long-time hero of Firehouse 51, exited the NBC drama.

The actor portrayed the beloved firefighter Joe Cruz. However, the fan-favourite star's exit will not be abrupt.

Instead, Miñoso will give a proper farewell to his on-screen role in season 15, according to Deadline.

As for his character Cruz's future, meanwhile, it is hanging in the balance after his fate ended on a cliffhanger in season 14's finale, when he and his fellow firefighters rushed to a building on fire as its roof threatened to collapse.

His wife, however, was saved after a pregnancy scare, only to get the positive news of having twins rather than a baby boy.

To take a look back at his involvement with Chicago Fire, he first made his debut in the series pilot in 2012. In season two, he became a regular.

However, his bombshell exit means only three original cast members are left: Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg, and Christian Stolte.

But with Miñoso's departure, Chicago Fire welcomes Da'Vinchi as a new firefighter.

Then, there are also changes on the series' creative side as Andrew Newman is replaced by Victor Teran as showrunner after the former's exit after season 14.