by | Published
An Odessa Police Officer died during the recent flooding in Kerr County while vacationing with his family, officials confirmed. The Kerrville Police Department announced that the body of Officer Bailey Martin was recovered Monday night, July 7.
"We mourn alongside our brother and sisters from Odessa Police Department, just as we are mourning all those lost in this terrible flood," said the Kerrville Police Department in a statement.
The Odessa Police Department released the following message:
"We are deeply saddened to share with our community that Odessa Police Officer Bailey Martin has been found and, tragically, is deceased. Positive identification and notification of next of kin were completed last night. Bailey is currently at a facility in Travis County. A representative from the Odessa Police Department is on-site, working diligently to have Bailey released to his family and brought back to Odessa. Honor Guard members and officers who were close to Bailey will stand watch over the casket until he is released and will then escort him home."
The department also noted that Officer Martin’s family lost multiple members in the flooding.
"We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy during this difficult time, as they have not only lost Bailey but also several other family members. Our prayers go out to them and to everyone affected by this devastating natural disaster."
In honor of Officer Martin, Odessa Police officers are wearing mourning bands over their badges, and flags in front of the police department have been lowered to half-staff. The department is encouraging Odessa residents to replace their porch lights with blue bulbs throughout the week in remembrance.
