CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Citrus County Fire Rescue Captain Eddie Paniccia will be running the Clearwater Marathon Sunday in full bunker gear in honor of his fellow firefighter who died in a tragic boating accident over the summer.

Captain Michael Fletcher was a training captain with Citrus County Fire Rescue.

After working for roughly 20 years as a firefighter paramedic in Marion County, he transferred to Citrus County to work as an instructor training the next generations of firefighters.

After Captain Fletcher’s death on July 4, 2024, the entire fire department rallied around his family. Paniccia decided he would begin raising money for Fletcher’s family by running the Clearwater Marathon in full bunker gear.

He started the fundraiser last year and continued to train. First, running three miles in full gear, and week after week he continued to add on miles.

“A lot of the time it’s just putting one foot in front of the other and having the discipline to do it,” he said.

While Captain Fletcher and Paniccia worked separate shifts and didn’t see each other often, Paniccia says when he and his fiance took in a foster child the first phone call he received was from Captain Fletcher.

Captain Michael Fletcher was a training captain with Citrus County Fire Rescue. After Captain Fletcher’s death on July 4, 2024, the entire fire department rallied around his family. (Courtesy Amy Fletcher)

“He said if you need anything or have any questions about it we’re always here,” Paniccia recalled.

At first, Paniccia planned to give all the money raised to Fletcher’s wife, Amy Fletcher, and two sons. After speaking about it, Amy decided to start a fund in her late husband’s name that would send future firefighters through school.

“It just means the world to us that his legacy is living on, and that’s what means the most to us,” Amy said.

Mike and Amy Fletcher’s love story started back when they were kids. Amy’s family spent summers in the Florida Keys and were very close with the Fletchers. The two moved in together when they were 17 and were married for 23 years. Together they had two sons, ages 18 and 22.

“Mike was just pure good. He lived his life to be a good person,” Amy said.

Captain Fletcher's brother, who is a chief at Citrus County Fire Rescue, as well as his parents and Amy will all be at the Clearwater Marathon Sunday to support Eddie.

The community is invited to attend to cheer him on.  

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