CPD Supt. Garry McCarthy hospitalized after procedure for blocked arteries
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said to be "in good spirits" this evening after he was hospitalized after experiencing chest pains.
McCarthy took a cab Thursday morning to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he underwent a heart procedure to clear blocked arteries. The procedure "went well" and he will remain there for "several more days while he recuperates," according to the Chicago Police Department.
During his three years as superintendent, Garry McCarthy has been under a microscope, earning praise for his department's response to protests during the 2012 NATO summit while shouldering criticism for a violence problem that's drawn national attention.
In a recently aired documentary, McCarthy spoke of the stress he's been under.
"This is not even a job. It's a lifestyle. It's literally 24/7. It absolutely never ends," he said.
But tonight, the 55-year-old is resting in a hospital bed. His daughter, Kyla McCarthy, says he took an aspirin after experiencing chest pains this morning and then took a taxi to the hospital. She said her dad is resting now.
"Me and my sister will definitely make sure she's taken care of. So, he's good. Our family is around, and he's resting up, so he should be back in no time," she said.
While the superintendent is hospitalized, First Deputy Superintendent Al Wysinger is in command.
"I actually visited with the superintendent this morning. He's alert. He's awake, he's in good spirits," Wysinger said. "He was actually up cracking jokes. I think the hardest part about this whole thing will be trying to keep him from coming back to work."
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel stopped by to see him.
"He went in, did what he was supposed to do. It was all on the preventative side. He was feeling those types of pains and he went in. They did their work. He's up, talkative, in good spirits, and he's rooting for the Sox," Mayor Emanuel said.
Doctor Gary Schaer, a cardiologist at Rush University Medical Center, recommends anyone with chest pains to get help as soon as possible.
"If you're having chest pain you don't drive yourself to the hospital. That is a recipe for disaster. You want to call 911 immediately if you feel severe chest pain," Schaer said.
