Odessa Police Officer Bailey Martin Found Deceased After Texas Floods; City Prepares Hero’s Return
ODESSA, TEXAS — The Odessa Police Department and the entire West Texas community are in mourning following the devastating confirmation that Officer Bailey Martin, who had been missing during the historic Texas floods, has been found deceased. His body was positively identified late Wednesday night, ending a tense and emotional search that gripped the region for days.
Officer Martin, a respected and beloved member of the Odessa Police Department, went missing while responding to emergency flood conditions earlier this month. Authorities have now confirmed that he died in the line of duty. He was just 29 years old.
Honor guards have been stationed by his side since the recovery. Law enforcement officials say they will remain with him until he is formally escorted back to Odessa — a journey that will be marked by solemn respect and deep sorrow. A motorcade of law enforcement officers will accompany Martin’s remains in a procession back home, where the city is preparing for an official memorial service.
“This is a profound loss for our department and our city,” said Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke in a public statement. “Officer Martin gave everything he had to this community. He died serving the people of Odessa, and we will never forget his sacrifice.”
The Odessa Police Department has placed black mourning bands across every officer’s badge. City and state flags are flying at half-staff. In a coordinated show of unity and remembrance, residents are being encouraged to light their porches in blue — a visible tribute to a fallen officer who spent his career protecting the people of his hometown.
Officer Martin was known not only for his bravery but also for his compassion and sense of duty. Friends describe him as selfless, dedicated, and always willing to lend a hand. His colleagues say he was the kind of officer others looked up to — dependable, disciplined, and deeply committed to making Odessa safer.
“He was one of our best,” said fellow officer Mark Delgado. “He loved this city, and he gave everything for it. This department will never be the same.”
The news of Martin’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across social media and in the streets of Odessa. Outside the police department, a growing memorial of flowers, flags, and hand-written messages has formed. Community members continue to stop by, many with tears in their eyes, to pay their respects.
Martin is survived by his parents, two sisters, and a fiancée. The family, though heartbroken, released a brief statement through the department: “Bailey lived his life with courage and heart. He loved being a police officer, and he loved Odessa. We thank everyone for the support and prayers.”
Funeral services with full police honors are being planned, and the department says further details will be announced in the coming days. A public procession and memorial are expected to draw attendees from across the state.
As Odessa faces the difficult days ahead, one thing is clear: the legacy of Officer Bailey Martin will not be forgotten. His name will be remembered alongside those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. His watch has ended, but his impact will remain forever etched into the fabric of the city he so proudly served.