ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) — The body of Odessa Police Department officer Bailey Martin has been recovered in Kerrville, Texas.
Bailey, his girlfriend Jayda Floyd, his father, Bobby Martin, and stepmother, Amanda Martin, and two younger siblings, who were rescued and are safe, visited a campground in Kerrville to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend.
Their RV was swept away, and Bobby and Amanda's bodies were found shortly after rescuers arrived on the scene. However, Bailey and Jayda remained missing for several days; Bailey's body was positively identified by loved ones Monday night.
Bailey's mom said his Bible etched with his name was found near him.
"My son accomplished so much in his short time and grew into a man anyone could be proud of," she said in a social media post.
Now, officers with OPD will remain with Bailey until he arrives home.
"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," OPD said in a statement. "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. At this time, all OPD officers are wearing mourning bands over their badges and all flags in front of OPD have been lowered to half-staff. The Odessa Police Department would like to encourage the citizens of Odessa to replace their porch lights with blue bulbs for the rest of the week in remembrance of Bailey."
Bailey joined the police force a little more than two years ago because of his "heart for service".
“Serving the public was something he always wanted to do. For Officer Bailey, the most rewarding part of his job is being able to help people. Whether it’s something minor, such as talking to people and helping them, or a major case,” the City said in a feature about Bailey earlier this year.
