Our Chaplain Team
Humility • Integrity • Faithfulness
REVEREND PETER KEADY, PBCC, CCISM
First Responder Chaplain Corps was founded by Reverend Peter Keady. After nearly 20 years in pastoral ministry, Peter saw a great need assisting first responders in emotional and spiritual care while training and mentoring ordained and lay leaders as chaplains.
Peter just passed his board exams and holds a Provisional Board Certification Chaplaincy (PBCC) through the Spiritual Care Association. Ordained through the Christian and Missionary Alliance, Peter found a new passion in first responder chaplaincy and applies the same rigor and thirst for excellence as he does in all his endeavors.
Peter is a Certificate Approved Instructor with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and QPR Suicide Gatekeeper program. He's found a particular interest in mitigating and addressing Critical Incident Stress through CISM best practices; engaging trauma in the midst of crisis. He's a member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Critical Incident Stress Response Team, The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. He holds several advanced certifications in first responder work and is a debriefer with the Pennsylvania State Police.
CISM CERTIFIED AND QPR TRAINER
Peter is certified in Critical Incident Stress Management by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. This CCISM certification is a validation of Peter’s commitment to serving first responders with the absolute best care possible. Along with this, Peter has taken the QPR Institute’s, “Train-the-trainer” certification. He is now available to present the QPR Gatekeeper program to any group.
Chaplain John Fonterosa
Chaplain John Fonterosa comes from a professional background in electrical work. He lives in Forks Township, Pa. with his wife and has two adult children and six grand children. He currently volunteers with Forks Township Fire Department as a Fire Policeman and Assistant Chaplain.
John has eagerly pursued all the foundational training required by FRCC to be a Fire Chaplain. His humble demeanor and willingness to train in the particulars of chaplaincy make him an asset to FRCC.
Chaplain Kate Thompson-Crowell
Chaplain Kate Thompson completed her Master’s of Arts in Human Services, concentration in Trauma and Crisis Counseling from Regent University. Kate is a life-time resident of Palmer Twp. (PA). Her heart and compassion for people is matched by her genuine kindness, joy, and enthusiasm. She enjoys working with all first responders and is a welcomed addition to the FRCC team.
Kate is married to Ray. They have nine children and live in Palmer Twp.
Chaplain Nathan Bissey
Chaplain Nathan Bissey is the department chaplain for Nancy Run Fire Company, Station 14, in Bethlehem Twps. PA. His background is in fire service and corrections.
Nathan is a gentle, caring person who’s a perfect fit for working with those in crisis, under stress, or in need of guidance. Nathan was part of the FRCC two-year chaplaincy mentoring program and was brought on after his successful completion of training.
Nathan is trained for both police and fire service.
Chaplain Tara Mahoney
Chaplain Tara Mahoney serves in the Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Department on the fire service side. Her background is in police dispatch having served the City of Bethlehem for nine years.
Chaplain Mindy Wagaman
Chaplain Mindy Wagaman is serving Kutztown Borough Police Department and Kutztown Ambulance with Chaplain services. She is an environmental engineer by trade. She just completed her Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling and Community Chaplaincy from Liberty University.
She discovered First Responder Chaplain Corps with a simple Google search and here she is! As she says, “As I am following God’s leading, I am anxious and excited to see how He will use me through FRCC.”
Mindy is humble, enthusiastic, and very approachable. She is married to Scott Wagaman and they live in Kutztown, PA.
Chaplain Kirk Gitt
Chaplain Kirk Gitt has been serving in fire and EMS for over 40 years, serving on the Cumberland County Haz-Mat team and as deputy chief for the Cumberland County Mass Casualty Response Team. Currently he works full time as an EMT for Penn State Health Life Lion. He’s studying for Masters in Christian Counseling. He serves on the Cumberland County CISM team and is the Chaplain for Silver Springs Twp. EMS. Kirk lives in Carlisle Pa. with his wife. They have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren.
Rev. Jim Entwistle
Chaplain Jim Entwistle is a graduate of Nyack College and has been pastoring for twelve years. He currently pastors Hope Alliance Church in Nazareth, Pa., which he launched four years ago with his wife, Jess. Jim has spent time in the Middle East and Africa, and has worked on various crisis response teams. He has a passionate heart for his community.
Jim desires working with first responders, seeing them equipped to handle their responsibilities with strength and poise while being healthy in their private life and communities.
Keagan Highland Warrior Prince, West Highland White Terrier. Click the photo for more K9!
Keagan is a West Highland White Terrier. He was born in Williamsport, PA. He, like other chaplains, continues training to be the best support K9 he can. You might see Keagan at a department drill or social event. He loves people and is very happy.
In 2024, we added Wally to the K9 team! He’s now in FTO and will be out and about. Keep your eyes peeled for Wally in the field.
Wally is also a West Highland White Terrier. He is from the same family line as Keagan. Wally is quieter and more reserved than Keagan, yet is loving and gentle. He’s now working to train our youngest K9, Bentley! But Bentley is only 6-months old.
