*Updated on 7/10/2024 to include more details about the nature of the accident that killed Michael Fletcher.
CITRUS COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE, 7/9/2024: Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) is anticipating a large turnout for the funeral of the department’s training captain.
Family, friends and fellow firefighters will pay last respects to Capt. Michael Fletcher on Saturday, July 13. Services will be held at Seven Rivers Church which is located at 4221 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy. in Lecanto.
They say services will begin promptly at 11:00 am
“We have surrounded our department and Captain Fletcher’s family with love and unrelenting support over the past few days,” CCFR said in a Facebook post. “We appreciate our brothers and sisters in fire rescue and law enforcement reaching out to provide assistance.”
ORIGINAL, 7/8/2024: The Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) team is mourning the loss of one of their own.
42-year-old Michael Fletcher, a training captain described by CCFR as “esteemed,” passed away on Thursday, July 4, following an off duty boating incident in Crystal River.
New info: The incident was reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at approximately 10:55 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. According to a representative from FWC, the incident involved two vessels on the Crystal River. An investigation confirmed that a boat hit the right side of Fletcher’s vessel, causing him to fall overboard. FWC says when he was pulled from the water, he was dead.
Fletcher dedicated six years of his life to the CCFR agency. Prior to his work at CCFR, Fletcher worked for roughly 20 years at Marion County Fire Rescue.
In a Facebook post dedicated to his memory, CCFR says that throughout his career as a training captain, Fletcher demonstrated “exceptional leadership and expertise in training our firefighters to uphold the highest standards of safety and service.”
Fire Chief Craig Stevens expressed his heartfelt condolences online.
“Captain Michael Fletcher was a pillar of our department, known for his dedication and compassion. His loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him,” said Stevens.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of one of Citrus County’s own, Captain Michael Fletcher,” expressed County Administrator Steve Howard. “I extend my deepest and utmost condolences to Captain Fletcher’s family, and to each member of Citrus County Fire Rescue on the loss of a brother.”
CCFR says funeral arrangements and memorial services will be communicated to the public once details are confirmed.
A GoFundMe has been established by Professional Firefighters of Citrus County IAFF Local 4562 (PFFCC) to “directly assist the family with any and all needs that may arise.”
So far, the website has raised over $18,000 towards a $25,000 goal.
As the fundraiser for Fletcher was gaining traction, it was brought to the attention of CCFR that a fake GoFundMe account had also been created with a goal of $80,000.
Additionally, the PFFCC received multiple reports of fake Facebook accounts and a fake website.
In a Facebook post, the PFFCC posted pictures of the accounts and the website, calling them fraudulent and accusing the creators of taking advantage of Fletcher’s death.
“We would like to be clear; these accounts were not created by us or the family. They are scams and should be blocked and reported if you come across them,” they said. “Keep Mike and his family in your prayers. We are proud of the support our community has already extended and appreciate the continued support for such a valuable member of our department and community.”
CCFR offered thanks to the community, saying in a Facebook post, “We appreciate all the support from our amazing community as we know that Mike was loved beyond measure!”