Brave Crossing Guard Assists Children Through Flooded Chicago Street
January 23, 2026
A chilly morning took an unexpected turn in Chicago when a crossing guard went beyond his usual duties to ensure the safety of children on their way to school.
Joe Sass / WGN News
Joe Sass, known for his role in safeguarding young pedestrians at Jamieson Elementary School located on Chicago’s North Side, faced an unusual challenge. A century-old water main had ruptured, leading to the street outside the school being submerged in icy water. This posed a potential hazard for students trying to cross.
In response, Sass took action without hesitation.
He chose to carry each child across the waterlogged street individually, ensuring their safety and keeping them dry.
“It’s not in the job description,” Sass mentioned in an interview with WGN, “but I’ll do just about anything for these kids.”
Aerial footage from a news helicopter documented Sass’s actions, capturing him carefully transporting children across the flooded street. This touching scene highlighted a powerful example of selflessness and dedication.
