Mr Nolen joined the RFS in 2016 as a way to help his local community.
He previously worked as an office assistant at the fire control centre in Albury where he experienced all aspects of the incident control centre and has been able to translate that knowledge back to Berrigan.
Mr Nolen is also a trainer with the Berrigan Football Club and has committed to a Responsible Service of Alcohol course to help behind the bar at the Berrigan Community Club.
He was shocked to receive Young Citizen of the Year.
‘‘It’s nice to know someone put in the effort to nominate me,’’ Mr Nolen said.
As president of the local crew, he already has plans to make sure the history of the RFS was honoured in Berrigan.
‘‘We’re in the process of getting a mural about the first bushfire brigade meeting which took place in Berrigan,’’ Mr Nolen said.
‘‘We have one (mural) already, but this time it will be at the pub where the first bushfire meeting was held.’’
Mr Nolen hopes by setting the example he can attract more members to the fire crew.
‘‘Over the next 12 months it would be good to get more members,’’ he said.
Mr Nolen’s commitment to the RFS was praised by Berrigan RFS captain Vic Watson.
‘‘Riley is a terrific kid. He’s completely dedicated to the brigade and the community,’’ he said.
