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.