The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING ZACK GOLDITCH
______
HON. JASON CROW
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Zack Golditch, a survivor of the Aurora Theater Shooting, who now finds purpose in serving our community as a firefighter for South Metro Fire Department.
A 17-year-old high school football player in Aurora, with his sights set on the NFL, Zack spent his evening on July 20, 2012, as many other young people did: at a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises. What began as a night with friends turned deadly as a gunman open fired in an adjacent theater to the one Zack was in, killing 12 and wounding 70. However, the injuries were not confined to Theater 9, as a bullet traveled through the wall into Theater 8 and struck him in the neck.
Zack was forced to grow up too soon that day--his perspective on life changed forever as a night out with friends was almost his last. Recognizing the unpredictability of life, he believes that life isn't just about seizing the opportunities presented to him, but to slow down and enjoy them. Zack went on to play college football at Colorado State University, before fulfilling his childhood dream of being drafted into the NFL in 2018.
After two years in the NFL, Zack returned home to Colorado where he now serves our community as a firefighter for South Metro Fire and Rescue in the Denver Metro area. Alongside his work at South Metro, Zack is involved in efforts to support victims of the theater shooting by lending his name to the Zack Golditch Opportunity Scholarships, established by the 7/20 Foundation, and managed by the Aurora Public Schools (APS) Foundation, to help APS students attend college.
Zack is a shining example of turning pain into purpose. He read a quote once that resonated with him: ``If you're not inspired by your own story, then maybe you need to start writing and there's something you need to start doing.'' So Zack became a first responder--fully prepared to respond to the next tragedy, just like those that saved him did on that night ten years ago.
Out of tragedy and unspeakable darkness, there are always heroes who rise up and answer the call to service. I can think of no better example than Zack, who, despite being haunted daily by the memories of July 20th, shows up to work every day aiming to be better than the day before.
I am honored to recognize Zack for his dedication and commitment in service to making our community a better place to call home. I thank him for continuing to serve with gratitude, empathy, and a smile--all while inspiring us to be better versions of ourselves.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 134(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 134(2)
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