Crossing Guard Carries Kids Through Flood, Community Raises $6,000 to Thank Him

Joe Sass, a 44-year-old crossing guard at Jamieson Elementary in Chicago's West Ridge neighborhood, became an overnight hero last week when a news helicopter caught him carrying children across a flooded, icy street after a water main break. The former rugby player has been a crossing guard for four and a half years, dishing out fist bumps to students every morning at the Bryn Mawr and California intersection. But when freezing water flooded the crosswalk, Sass didn't think twice—he physically carried students to safety so they could get to school. The viral video led to an appearance on WGN's morning show, which Sass called his version of 'an Olympic gold medal.' But the real reward came from his community: neighbors launched a GoFundMe that's raised over $6,000. 'My mom is over the moon,' Sass said about his local fame. On Monday morning, cars honked at him for much kinder reasons than usual, and students requested selfies with their hero. True to his character, Sass plans to use the donations to support the neighborhood. Half will go to Project H.O.O.D., a nonprofit building a community center in Woodlawn. The rest? 'Spread it throughout the community,' Sass said. 'We got some businesses hurting with the ICE raids and all the scares. I've been given this opportunity to give back.' Sass has started making a list of local restaurants to visit with his 9-year-old daughter, including stops at Gene's Sausage Shop in Lincoln Square—and maybe an Old Style here and there. 'That's my porch beer,' Sass said with a laugh. 'They make a fine lager.' Sass has worn many hats before donning a bright yellow vest: he unloaded planes for FedEx, bused at bars, greeted people at a car dealership, worked in an art gallery gift shop, drove a mini-train through an Old West-themed town, and served as a cellarman at a cidery. He's also an artist and teaches welding two nights a week at Morton College. The flexible schedule leaves time for his most important gig: stay-at-home dad, homeschooling his daughter while his wife teaches at College of DuPage. For everywhere he's been and everything he's done, Sass thinks he's finally found the place for him: holding the stop sign at Bryn Mawr and California. 'I treat these kids exactly how I'd want my daughter to be treated,' Sass said. 'It's been super fun, interacting with my neighborhood.'