In early August, a Brevard County man suffered a heart attack in a Publix parking lot.

On Tuesday, he thanked the employee who saved his life.

Ken Messier had wrapped up his shopping at the Murrell Road store in Rockledge on. Aug. 8.

When he got to his car, he fell to the ground, and the 56-year-old's heart stopped.

"What I was able to piece together was that I walked out of my car to put the groceries away, and I passed out," Messier said.

A bagger saw him and ran to get customer service manager Nikki Mench, who ran outside to help. After 911 was called, Mench performed CPR on Messier for five minutes until police officers arrived to take over.

"Nikki came out gave me CPR and got the ball rolling. I don't think if that would have happened right away, I don't think I would be here to tell you (about it)," Messier said.

Now, some six weeks later, Messier wanted to thank her in person for saving his life.

"Her training was obviously spot on," Messier said. "She just went into gear, and everything went great."

Both she and Ken say they will remain friends and stay in touch.

"He didn't have to go out of his way and do anything for me. But from the bottom of my heart, I'm so thankful he's OK," Mench said.