Chicago Crossing Guard Hailed as Hero for Rescuing Child from Flooded Street
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, a Chicago lollipop man has been branded a hero after saving a child from crossing a flooded road. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday morning, highlights the dedication of local crossing guards in ensuring pupil safety under challenging conditions.
Brave Act Captured on Camera
Joe Sass, a crossing guard at Jamieson Elementary School in Chicago, is known for his friendly demeanour and daily assistance to pupils. However, his helpfulness reached new heights when he took it upon himself to rescue a child from navigating a waterlogged street. A video captured by local news outlet WGN Morning News shows the moment Joe lifted the child from the pavement onto his shoulder, carefully checked for traffic, crossed the road, and safely returned the child to the other side.
The area was already blanketed in snow, creating slippery conditions, but the hazard escalated after a burst water main caused flooding and brown sludge to form at the intersection of West Bryn Mawr Avenue and North California Avenue near the school. Joe's quick thinking prevented a potentially dangerous situation, earning him widespread praise from locals who have described him as a hero.
A Humble Community Figure
Speaking to reporters on WGN Morning News on Friday, Joe described his job as 'very humbling' and explained that he often interacts with pupils as he would his own daughter, asking about their day. 'It's amazing. It's very humbling. I love my neighbours,' he said. 'For me, I don't think I'm doing anything extra to help someone in my neighbourhood or the city, for that matter. I think it's great to be a helpful Chicagoan, love your neighbour and help out where you can.'
Joe added that his role allows him to connect deeply with the community, crossing older siblings and getting to know parents and even family pets. 'A big smiley face staring at you across the crosswalk in the morning, it's truly a beautiful thing,' he remarked, emphasising the joy he finds in his work.
History of Kindness
This is not the first time Joe has demonstrated his kindness to the community. He once organised a fundraiser to buy a new bike for a neighbourhood child after theirs was stolen, showcasing his ongoing commitment to helping others. Parents and locals have noted that such gestures are a daily occurrence for Joe, describing him as a consistently nice person who goes above and beyond.
The footage of Joe helping the child was uploaded by a senior reporter at WGN Morning News and quickly gained traction on social media platform X, capturing the hearts of many. The video earned over 775,000 views and 23,000 likes, sparking a wave of admiration and support for his selfless actions.
As Chicago faces winter challenges, stories like Joe's serve as a reminder of the positive impact individuals can have in their communities, turning routine duties into acts of heroism that inspire and uplift.
