The Whites -- Amy, Walt and Jackson, 5 -- arrived home with newborn Sofia in mid-April. Along with other firefighters, Walt has since shaved his head to show support for a colleague who's fighting cancer.

Murietan named 'Firefighter of Year'
Also: Murieta woman records album of religious songs

Published May 4, 2004

Walt White was named "Firefighter of the Year" by the Rotary Club of Point West in Sacramento in April.

White, a captain with Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District who works out of Fire Station 21 in Citrus Heights, was recognized along with Captain Joe Jackson of the Sacramento Fire Department. The firefighters each received a $500 donation to the charity of their choice and a $100 restaurant gift certificate.

"It was really a nice honor to get recognized by a service group that does so much good for the community themselves," said White. The club honors public service professionals from the police and fire departments each year, he said. Coverage of the event appeared on Channel 10.

White has lived in Rancho Murieta for 12 years with his wife, Amy. They have two children, Jackson, 5, and a newborn, Sofia. Amy's parents, Frank and Marianna Hashorva, also live in the community.

White started his career as a firefighter in 1987 with the American River Fire District, which became Sac Metro several years ago as a result of consolidation.

Over the years, he's served with distinction as the local and regional captain of Firefighter Combat Challenge teams. Hundreds of U.S. and Canadian municipal fire departments compete in the challenge each year by performing firefighting tasks that include climbing a five-story tower and rescuing a life-sized "victim." The event is broadcast on ESPN and viewed by a worldwide audience of millions. Last year the team White captained placed fourth in the competition, an achievement that he credits to his teammates.

White is in his final year of the National Fire Academy executive officer program. He's also one of the original committee members and players for Guns and Hoses, an annual charity football game where firefighters and police officers compete.

"It's a nice event. It raises tens of thousands of dollars for local charities," he said of the bruising, full-contact spectacle that draws crowds of more than 10,000.

White was one of three firefighters nominated for the "Firefighter of the Year" award by Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. The district provided information about the firefighters and their accomplishments to a Rotary Club committee for review and final selection.

Chaya Pitcher has performed in Community Church productions and community events since moving to Rancho Murieta.

Murieta woman records album of religious songs

Chaya Pitcher has fulfilled a goal she's had since she was 14 by writing and recording an album of religious songs.

Pitcher, who lives in Rancho Murieta with her husband, Rick, the worship pastor of the Rancho Murieta Community Church, wrote her first song at 13. At 14, she wrote "I Have a Promise," one of 10 songs on the album.

Her favorite song, "Reach," the title of the album, encourages those who have fallen away to return to God. Other songs were inspired by the people in her life and her life experiences. Her husband's favorite song, "Your Wife," was written for the young couple's wedding day and is based on scripture. It played as Chaya walked down the aisle.

The couple met as students at Simpson Bible College in Redding. When Rick heard her sing, "It was love at first sound," he recalls.

Pitcher has sung in many church productions and at community events since she arrived here several years ago. She was born and raised in Fortuna, where she began singing at church and school events while a student at Christian Life Elementary School.

Throughout her life, people who heard her voice have encouraged her to record an album, but it couldn't have become a reality, she believes, if she and Rick hadn't worked together as a team. They look forward to pursuing a career in Christian music and have formed their own company, Rickachay Records. They plan to promote "Reach" through performances at area churches.

Information about the album and samplings of the songs are available at www.reachchaya.com.

A debut party will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. May 15 at MarShaTes, where Chaya works during the week. The party is open to the public and copies of the CD will be available for purchase.