(CBS) — Maureen Zupan says she has Oneal Gray to thank — for saving her husband’s life.

“This is my new best friend. He was there when he needed to be,” she says.

“I’m so glad, everything’s working out, that’s the bottom line,” says Gray, a security officer.

Maureen’s husband, Jeff Zupan, had a massive heart attack. Zupan was one of the organizers of the 10th Ward Friends of Labor Festival, held in South Chicago.

Gray, a former Cook County forest preserve police officer and paramedic, was hired to work security for the event. His life-saving skills would be in full use.

Fest-goers directed him to where a man was down. Gray checked the man for a pulse – nothing.

He began doing CPR.

An ambulance brought Jeff Zupan to Advocate Trinity Hospital, where he is still on a respirator.

Gray wasn’t slated to work, but he was added to Friday’s schedule, at the last minute. Monday, he met the Zupan’s children, at the hospital.

The family has invited Gray to Thanksgiving dinner.

Jeff Zupan is getting stronger. His wife says he’s now responding to commands and his squeezing his daughter’s hands to respond to questions.