Officer Bailey Martin
Odessa Police Department – Odessa, Texas, USA
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Officer Bailey Martin of the Odessa Police Department. After an extensive and heartfelt search effort, Officer Martin was located on July 7, 2025, and has since been positively identified as having passed away (kxxv.com). His loss has sent waves of sorrow throughout our department, our city of Odessa, Texas, and communities far beyond.
Circumstances of the Tragic Event
Officer Martin had traveled with his family to the Guadalupe River area near Kerrville, Texas, to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday weekend when flash floods struck. The storm produced torrential rainfall—dropping more than a foot of rain in mere hours—causing water levels in the river and surrounding areas to surge rapidly. In some locations, river levels surged nearly 22–26 feet within just 45 minutes, flooding campgrounds, RV sites, homes, and roadways (mrt.com).
Officer Martin, along with family members, including his father and stepmother, was caught in these catastrophic conditions when their RV was swept away into the high waters . Tragically, his father and stepmother were later confirmed to have passed away, while Officer Martin was missing for several days amid the widespread rescue and recovery efforts (oaoa.com).
Search, Recovery, and Identification
Once the flooding subsided, search-and-rescue teams—including local, state, and volunteer responders—intensified efforts throughout Kerr County, deploying helicopters, drones, boats, and ground crews. Communities rallied in solidarity, sharing updates, prayers, and messages of hope amid the devastation that claimed over 100 lives across regions including Camp Mystic—a Christian girls’ summer camp (yahoo.com).
By July 7, recovery teams located a body in Travis County, which was later positively identified as Officer Martin. Formal notification of his family occurred that evening . His remains remain under custody as authorities complete necessary procedures to return him to Odessa (kplctv.com).
Official Department and City Response
The Odessa Police Department, along with the City of Odessa, has issued official statements mourning Officer Martin’s passing. They have urged the community to honor his memory and respect the privacy of his close family, who endured the loss of not only Bailey, but also beloved parents, during this same tragedy (kxxv.com).
As a tribute, all OPD officers are wearing mourning bands over their badges, and flags at department headquarters have been lowered to half-staff (kxxv.com). Residents in Odessa are encouraged to replace their porch lights with blue bulbs for the remainder of the week—a gesture symbolizing unity and remembrance of Officer Martin (kxxv.com).
A Life of Service and Promise
Officer Martin joined the Odessa Police Department Academy in 2022 as part of its 25th training session (mrt.com). A native of Odessa, he expressed a clear passion for law enforcement early in life and proudly stated that he wanted “to preserve peace and safety” within his community (mrt.com).
In a prior feature by the department, Bailey emphasized that serving the public—whether through small personal gestures or more significant interventions—was the aspect of policing he most treasured (hindustantimes.com). He also shared that outside of his professional role, he cherished time spent with family and friends, which made this particular family trip over a holiday weekend all the more meaningful—and tragically unforgettable.
His colleagues recall him as a beacon of dedication, someone deeply committed to taking on responsibilities, with aspirations to serve as a future detective at OPD . Those who worked alongside him described him as reliable, compassionate, and ready to “just do it”—his personal mantra for those considering a career in law enforcement .
Community and Regional Reaction
The floods themselves were unprecedented in scale, with some estimates putting at over 100 lives lost, including several children (kplctv.com). Families of victims, including those at Camp Mystic, continue to wait anxiously for word on missing loved ones.
Local and state agencies, including volunteer organizations and cross-county emergency teams, responded swiftly. Teams used nine helicopters, fourteen drones, and countless boats to navigate the flooded terrain, rescuing survivors clinging to trees and rooftops (oaoa.com).
Local governments urged people to refrain from entering floodwaters and to heed evacuation orders. Odessa—while not directly impacted—chose to honor Officer Martin and other victims through gestures like blue porch lights. The shared grief binds Odessa with Kerrville, Hunt County, and surrounding Hill Country communities.
Support for Family and Service Members
The OPD and the City of Odessa have mobilized comprehensive support systems for the grieving family. City statements have encouraged respect for their privacy while offering resources, condolences, and assistance. Team members closest to Bailey formed an Honor Guard. A watch over his casket is being maintained until arrangements are made to return him home (kplctv.com).
Counseling services have been made available to department staff affected by the tragedy. OPD leadership, as well as city officials, highlight mental‑health support resources and emphasize unity in mourning and healing.
Next Steps: Remembrance, Tribute, and Legacy
Specific arrangements for Officer Martin’s memorial service in Odessa have not yet been announced. However, the community expects a formal, public service honoring his memory, where friends, fellow officers, and city officials will pay tribute.
Longer-term, there are early conversations about establishing a memorial or scholarship in Bailey’s name—possibly linked to law enforcement education or community engagement—to carry forward his dedication to service.
The Broader Impact: A Community United
Natural disasters like this flash flood test first responders, civic leaders, and everyday citizens. Stories from Kerr County depict courageous rescues, unexpected reunions, and families forever changed.
Officer Martin’s story highlights both the unpredictability of natural forces and the significance of purpose-driven devotion. He embodied a new generation of Odessa law enforcement: committed, community-centric, and ready to act in the face of danger. His life and service serve as a powerful reminder of the risks law enforcement personnel occasionally face outside official duty.
Closing Reflections
Officer Bailey Martin’s loss is deeply felt across Odessa and the communities of Kerrville and beyond. His life—a commitment to serving and uplifting others—stands as a testament to the power of personal sacrifice, even amidst joy and family tradition.
We extend deepest condolences to his bereaved family and offer boundless gratitude to the search and rescue teams, emergency responders, and volunteers who worked tirelessly under heartbreaking conditions.
The tragedies of this flood—the outpouring of love, resilience, and communal care—will define this period. Officer Martin’s memory, brightly lit by blue bulbs across Odessa, endures in every heart he touched.
