The Chaplain Team
Humility • Integrity • Faithfulness
REVEREND PETER KEADY, BCC, CCISM
First Responder Chaplain Corps was founded by Reverend Peter Keady in 2020. After two decades in pastoral ministry, Peter saw a great need in assisting first responders in psycho-social-spiritual care while training and mentoring other chaplains. 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 Board Certified Chaplain for first responders (BCC) through the Spiritual Care Association. He’s a Certified-Approved Instructor with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and QPR Suicide Gatekeeper program as well as an instructor with the Federation of Fire Chaplains. He's found a particular interest in mitigating and addressing Critical Incident Stress using the CISM model, engaging trauma in the midst of crisis, and assisting first responders in having the best personal and professional life they desire. He's a responding member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Critical Incident Stress Response Team. He holds several advanced certifications in first responder work and is a chaplain and debriefer with the Pennsylvania State Police. He is ordained through the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
His instructor Passion
Peter is certified in Critical Incident Stress Management by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He sought to be an instructor with several organizations, in addition to his Board Certification, to better master the topics of critical incident stress, suicide, PTS/ASD, Moral Injury, traumatic events, disaster care. You can view his complete curriculum vitae here.
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 Police and Assistant Chaplain.
John has eagerly pursued all training required by FRCC. His humble demeanor, quick response and willingness to train in the particulars of chaplaincy make him an asset to FRCC. John was FRCC’s first chaplain!
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.
Tara has a love for God and people and brings her supportive spirit to her chaplaincy work. We’re very proud to have Tara as part of the FRCC team.
Chaplain Mindy Wagaman
Chaplain Mindy Wagaman is serving Kutztown Borough Police Department and Kutztown Fire Department with Chaplain services. She is an environmental engineer by trade. She has a 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 an outstanding chaplain. We are proud to have her as an official Affiliate Chaplain.
Mindy is humble, enthusiastic, and very approachable. She’s 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 and Rescue. Kirk developed the core of our EMS Chaplain Training module. We are proud to have Kirk as an official Affiliate Chaplain.
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 K-9 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 K-9 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 K-9, Bentley! But Bentley is only 11 months old.
