Colleagues remember CCFR training captain who died in off-duty boating accident

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. – A funeral procession is planned for Saturday to honor a Citrus County Fire Department instructor who died in an off-duty boating accident.

Captain Michael Fletcher of Citrus County Fire Rescue died after a boating accident on the Crystal River on Thursday, July 4. According to FWC officials, Fletcher was piloting a boat when another vessel struck his boat.

The funeral procession is scheduled for Saturday, July 13th and will begin at approximately 9:45 a.m. at Station 9 in Crystal River, 10165 N. Citrus Avenue.

The procession will follow a set route and will have road closures, ending at Seven Rivers Church in Lecanto.

Fire Chief Craig Stevens of Citrus County Fire Rescue said Fletcher has worked for the department for six years. Prior to working in Citrus County, he worked for Marion County for about 20 years.

He worked as a training director. Colleagues said he had exceptional leadership skills and expertise in training firefighters.

He was devoted to his task and had compassion for others.

“He was just an all around great guy, very positive. He never talked bad about people. He always had this loving, caring attitude. If you were struggling with something, he would help you, that’s the kind of guy he was,” said Chief Craig Stevens.

Chief Stevens knew Fletcher both professionally and personally. Stevens and Fletcher were former volunteer firefighters together.

“We both had young children and were looking after each other’s children, so the other one would make calls from time to time, this was in the 2000s,” said Chief Stevens.

A GoFundMe page is raising money to help Fletcher’s family with any expenses. Fletcher had a wife and two children.

Earlier this week, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office warned the public about a fraudulent GoFundMe page and said officials had removed the page.

The legitimate GoFundMe page was created by the Citrus County Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 4562.

“We had the page taken down. I think it’s pretty nasty when people try to capitalize on other people’s tragedies. I just can’t believe it, I’m still a little angry,” said Police Chief Stevens.

Stevens said Fletcher loved his job and his family and always spoke highly of both.

“He was always involved in everything. On his days off, he would come here to help us get things done, like training for department events. He was always there. He’s one of a kind,” said Chief Stevens.

“Michael was a loving, caring family man. When you weren’t talking about work, you were talking about your family or your family was talking to him,” Stevens said.

Chief Stevens said he appreciates the support of the community and other agencies.

Click here for more information on how you can help Fletcher’s family.