Chicago Fire Casts Da'Vinchi as Squad 3 Replacement
The actor joins the veteran rescue unit following the departure of Joe Miñoso's longtime character.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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Chicago Fire has tapped actor Da'Vinchi to play candidate firefighter Marcus Burke on the elite Squad 3 unit. The character fills the vacancy left by Joe Cruz, who is written out of the show after suffering a fatal spinal injury.
Why it matters
The change marks a significant shift for the show, as the veteran Joe Miñoso departs the cast after 14 seasons. Replacing a mainstay member with an academy recruit introduces new team dynamics for the elite rescue unit.
The show is currently in its 15th season, with the upcoming 300th episode marking the departure of long-term cast member Joe Miñoso. Squad 3 has not added a new member in 12 seasons prior to this recruitment.
The players
Da'Vinchi
He is the actor cast to portray the incoming candidate firefighter Marcus Burke on the series.
Joe Miñoso
He is the actor who portrayed the character Joe Cruz for 14 seasons before exiting the show.
Dermot Mulroney
He is the actor departing the series in season 15 after portraying Chief Dom Pascal.
The details
Set photos confirm the casting, showing Da'Vinchi in a Chicago Fire Department jacket emblazoned with the Squad 3 logo. The transition follows the departure of Dermot Mulroney, who is also exiting his role as Chief Dom Pascal during this season.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: Joe Miñoso makes his final appearance in the 300th episode.
Market Landscape
The production follows industry trends by utilizing the 300th episode milestone to refresh the ensemble cast. This shift helps maintain narrative momentum as the series moves deeper into its 15th season.
Viewers will see a change in the Squad 3 roster as the long-running character Joe Cruz is replaced by the new candidate Marcus Burke. Fans can prepare for this transition as the series reaches its 300th episode milestone this November.
The takeaway
Long-running procedurals often cycle in new talent to maintain unit dynamics after high-profile departures. Audience members should look for how the inexperienced candidate character shifts the existing team synergy on the rescue squad.
Further reading
For more on shifts in the entertainment industry, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Radio Times.
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