Fillmore Volunteer Fireman Christopher Connolly awarded State Employee Medal of Valor. Photo courtesy California State Parks.

Governor Brown Tuesday awarded a Ventura lifeguard a State Employee Medal of Valor for a December 2015 rescue in the ocean off Faria Beach.

It was during one of the biggest El Nino driven surf events with 15-20 foot waves along a rocky shoreline.

California State Lifeguard Christopher Connolly "rescued a tiring surfer under the difficult conditions and at great peril to himself" according to the citation from the Governor's office.

It reads, "Lifeguard Connolly entered the water without hesitation. He swam to the victim, secured him to a life buoy, then fought wave sets while seeking a safe spot to exit the surf. Connolly traveled more than 3/4 of a mile in a swift current while attempts by first responders to reach the pair from shore failed. Connolly held the victim close for protection and talked the surfer through the ordeal. Eventually, Lifeguard Connolly was able to reach a sandy beach with his rescuee who was exhausted, but unhurt. Without the actions of Connolly, the surfer likely would have been lost to the pounding surf. Veteran State Parks lifeguards called Connolly’s efforts one of the most demanding and dynamic rescues ever witnessed."

Connolly, 44, is a seasonal lifeguard with California State Parks and has worked as a lifeguard for 16 years.

He is also a Spanish instructor at Ventura College and a volunteer with the Fillmore Fire Department, according to the Governor's Office.