McCarthy tells CPD grads 'heart attacks aren't contagious'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy attended a Chicago Police Academy graduation ceremony in his first public appearance since having a heart attack last week.

"Don't worry, heart attacks aren't contagious," he joked at the Chicago Police Academy graduation ceremony at Navy Pier on Wednesday.

McCarthy remains on medical leave. Last Thursday, he got himself to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after experiencing chest pains. There, he had a procedure to clear his blocked arteries.

"I am doing very well. I feel great. And I'm really, really happy to be here," he said. "Word of my demise was greatly exaggerated. I'm here. It's not a funeral."

He told the 77 men and women who graduated on Wednesday he wouldn't miss their graduation ceremony for the world, and joked about a Rolling Stones concert.

"Keith Richards was leading the band for a little while and he got up to the microphone and he said, 'I'm glad to be here. But then again, I am glad to be anywhere.' I kind of feel that way today," McCarthy said.

McCarthy distributed diplomas and batons to the newcomers and those moving up the ranks, including 89 new sergeants and 39 new detectives. He's keeping a light schedule until the end of June, according to his office.

"Gentlemen and ladies, I tell you, this is not a job or a profession that you are joining. It's a calling," he said.

The graduates seemed pleased to have Chicago's top boss in attendance.

"We didn't think he was going to make it. He came out, trooper that he is," Bernardo Rodarte said.

Officer Jack Kazinski became a fourth generation Chicago police officer on Wednesday. He's been waiting for this day a long time.

"Way too long. My whole life," he said.

As members of Chicago's finest, Officer Kazinski's father and uncles know what it's like to put their lives on the line.

"Sleepless nights. A lot of sleepless nights when he is out there working. But he's a good kid. He works hard. He will be OK," Sgt. Timothy Kazinski said of his son.

"He's right. I plan on doing all of it," Officer Kazinski said.