An Oswego firefighter is being honored for his heroic efforts last month.

18-year-veteran Sean O'Gorman received the New York State Liberty Award on Thursday. O'Gorman helped rescue three girls from the ocean while he was on vacation in North Carolina.

He'd actually taken a training course on water rescues just a few weeks before and was able to put those skills to the test.

Despite all the praise he's been getting, he says he doesn't consider himself a hero.

"First responders everywhere the reason we do this job is that we enjoy helping people, we like to help people,” said O’Gorman. “If you don't like to help people you can't do this job properly."

The Liberty Award is the highest honor bestowed on a New York State civilian.