WHEREAS, Marty Smith, a loving, caring father and devoted husband
who served the most vulnerable members of the community with passion as
a county designated mental health professional, was brutally killed on
November 4, 2005, at the hands of a critically ill patient for whom he
was attempting to provide care; and
WHEREAS, Hundreds of designated mental health professionals and
crisis workers endanger their personal safety, and even their very
lives, in responding twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to
calls for help from a patient's family, friends, loved ones, and others
throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, These talented and dedicated professionals, armed with
only their knowledge, skills, and commitment to provide the highest
quality of care, are the only ones who have the special ability to
provide unique care for the most critically ill patients; and
WHEREAS, Their selfless commitment and personal compassion assure
the highest care of the patient and greatest safety of the community in
which they serve;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives
unite in extending their deepest and heartfelt sympathy to each member
of Marty Smith's family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives grant
special recognition to Marty Smith and to the county mental health
professionals and crisis workers whose willingness to accept grave
personal risks daily in order to provide the highest quality health
care to the most dangerous, yet vulnerable, patients serves as a
testament to their exemplary commitment to the people of this state;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be
immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of
Representatives to the family of Marty Smith.