Crossing Guard Carries Kids Across A Water-Soaked Chicago Street

January 23, 2026

When a frigid morning took an unexpected turn, one Chicago crossing guard proved that caring for kids sometimes means going far beyond the job description.

Joe Sass / WGN News

Joe Sass, a crossing guard at Jamieson Elementary School on the city’s North Side, arrived at work to find the street outside the school flooded after a 100-year-old water main burst. Icy water covered the road, creating a risky situation for children trying to get to school safely and dry.

But Sass didn’t hesitate.

He began picking them up one by one and carrying them across the street, making sure they stayed dry and out of harm’s way.

“It’s not in the job description,” Sass told WGN, “but I’ll do just about anything for these kids.”

His selfless act didn’t go unnoticed. A news helicopter captured the moment from above, showing Sass carefully carrying children across the flooded street—a simple yet powerful image of kindness in action.