safety
‘Never be forgotten’: Odessa Police Department unveils memorial for officer 1 year after July 4 flood death
By Tamlyn Price at CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)
· July 4, 2026
· 1 min read
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - The Odessa Police Department has unveiled a memorial honoring Officer Bailey Martin as the community marks one year since his death in the devastating July 4th flooding along the Guadalupe River.Martin was killed while vacationing with family in the Texas Hill Country durin...
Key takeaway Martin was killed while vacationing with family in the Texas Hill Country during the catastrophic flooding on July 4, 2025.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The memorial to Officer Bailey Martin is a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those in public service, even when off duty. As the community comes to terms with the loss of one of its own, the Odessa Police Department's tribute serves as a testament to the bond between law enforcement and the people they protect. The fact that Martin's police badge was recovered and is now on display in the front lobby of the department is a powerful symbol of his dedication to the city. The invitation to the public to visit the memorial and pay their respects reflects the department's commitment to transparency and community engagement. As Odessa continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial that the city honors the memories of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, like Officer Martin, and recognizes the importance of public service in building a safer and more resilient community.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - The Odessa Police Department has unveiled a memorial honoring Officer Bailey Martin as the community marks one year since his death in the devastating July 4th flooding along the Guadalupe River.Martin was killed while vacationing with family in the Texas Hill Country durin...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tamlyn Price at CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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