Fire Country’s Latest Addition Set To Bring Massive Changes to CBS Series
Fire Country Season 4 premiere introduced Brett Richards, played by Shawn Hatosy, as the station’s new battalion chief. The move has already caused significant tension among the crew. In a recent interview, showrunner Tia Napolitano opened up about how Richards’ leadership will change the dynamic within the firehouse.
Tia Napolitano says ‘no one’s job is safe’ after Shawn Hatosy’s Fire Country debut
Fire Country Season 4 opens with a major shift at Station 42, with arrival of Shawn Hatosy’s Brett Richards adding to the uncertainty. Following the tragic death of Battalion Chief Vince Leone, Richards takes over the command as the new battalion chief. His leadership style has already sparked tension among the crew still mourning the loss of Leone.
In a recent conversation with Soaps.com, showrunner Tia Napolitano has opened up about how Richards’ presence will affect the season ahead. “Oh, he is for sure going to shake up the station. Forty-two is the house of Leone, and he is not a Leone. And he straight up says, ‘I’m going to reinvent it, not rebuild it,’” she said.
The showrunner noted that Richards’ presence will make everyone feel “under the microscope.” She shared, He’s an adversary. He’s very serious. He comes at people. He analyzes them.”
The season will also explore how Sharon, Bode, Jake, and the rest of the team navigate this abrupt change while dealing with grief and unresolved tensions. Napolitano hinted that Jake and Bode will be forced to decide whether to continue their rivalry or stand against the new battalion chief. Meanwhile, Sharon Leone faces the emotional challenge of working along with the man her late husband once “hated.”
Chiefs Kingdom Calls for Reunion After Ex-Fan Favorite Waived by New Team
Popular former Kansas City Chiefs undrafted rookie Esa Pole just hit waivers again in Week 8, as the New York Jets chose to cut him from their 53-man roster on October 23.
The promising offensive tackle prospect began his NFL career with the Chiefs, but failed to survive the 53-man cutdown in August. The KC Star’s Sam McDowell reported that Pole was a candidate for the KC practice squad at the time, but that changed after he was unfortunately claimed off waivers by the Jets.
Now, if Pole clears waivers on October 24, he could return to Kansas City on a practice squad deal — assuming there is still mutual interest on both sides. And the fans of Chiefs Kingdom seem to want that to happen.
Chiefs Fans Eye Esa Pole Signing After Week 8 Cut News
“The Jets have waived OT Esa Pole. He is subject to waivers until 3 pm on Friday. If he clears waivers, he is free to sign to any 53-man roster or practice squad,” KSHB 41 beat reporter Nick Jacobs relayed on October 23.
The post gained a lot of attention among Chiefs fans who follow Jacobs, as it drummed up 100-plus likes and several pro-reunion comments.
“Hopefully no one else sees this and he clears waivers and can come back to KC where he should have been all along,” one KC supporter replied.
Another agreed, writing: “Bring him home [Brett] Veach.”
And a third Chiefs fan simply responded: “Pleeeeeeeease! 🙏”
Finally, KC radio host Carrington Harrison joked that “Esa Pole is First Team Chiefs Twitter.” Referencing the love for the rookie UDFA on social media.
With first-round pick Joshua Simmons away from the team indefinitely, it would make sense for Kansas City to bring back Pole. They could even claim him off waivers themselves, but then they’d have to cut someone off the 53-man roster to free up a spot.
We should find out if Pole clears waivers on October 24. If he does, he can take as long as he needs to decide on his next NFL landing spot.
Pre-Draft Scouting on Former Chiefs Prospect Esa Pole
For those who have forgotten what Pole brings to the table, below is his pre-draft scouting report from NFL Network draft expert Lance Zierlein.
“A developmental tackle/guard prospect with NFL size [6-foot-5], Pole should continue to improve with coaching,” Zierlein wrote before the April 2025 draft.
Continuing: “He has played football for just four seasons with two at the FBS level. His technique needs work but he showed clear signs of improvement and plays with adequate football intelligence. He has the lateral foot quickness to make zone blocks and mirror rush counters but doesn’t always play as powerfully as he’s built. Whether he lines up at tackle or guard at the next level, he’ll need more refinement on a practice squad early on.”
As you can see, Pole was viewed as a prospect with nice size and physical traits/raw ability, but he was also seen as a developmental rookie. And, to be clear, that was the Chiefs’ plan.
They had hoped to sneak him onto the practice squad, where they could work with Pole and coach him up, improving technique and strength. Although the Jets threw a wrench in that plan early on, it’s possible that KC could get a second chance in Week 8.
