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 dedicated professionals, armed with their knowledge, skills, and commitment to provide the highest quality of care, 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 members of the Washington State Senate of the 59th Legislature salute Marty Smith's dedication to caring for his patients, and recognize the supreme sacrifice he has made in carrying out this dedication; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That members of the Washington State Senate of the 59th Legislature unite in extending their deepest and heartfelt sympathy to each member of Marty Smith's family; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That members of the Washington State Senate of the 59th Legislature express appreciation 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.