HOUSE RESOLUTION NO.4685, by Representative Appleton

     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.

I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of
Resolution 4685 adopted by the House of Representatives
February 3, 2006



__________________________
Richard Nafziger, Chief Clerk