“I’ve known about it for a few weeks,” Mr Fanning said.

“I felt happy, very happy.

“I’ll be even happier [if I] win.”

Since the beginning of April, he has been volunteering his time inside Junee’s police station, running errands and completing administrative tasks.

But his interest in police work began long before that.

In fact, when Mr Fanning found himself in the market to volunteer, there was never a question in his mind on where it should be.

“Before I started as a volunteer, I came [often] for cups of tea,” Mr Fanning said.

The announcement will be made at a black tie event inside the grand ballroom of Sydney’s Hyatt Regency on Friday November 16.

Sponsored by the NSW Rotary Clubs, the cocktail dinner is described as the ‘most prestigious event on the NSW Police Force calendar’. 

In keeping, Mr Fanning has already put thought to how he will present himself on the night.

“I’m wearing a suit, so I’ve got to go get it,” he said.

“It’ll probably be be black [because] I like black [suits].”

Mr Fanning will be attending with a few other community members, including Junee’s Inspector Rob Vergano. 

It was Inspector Vergano who originally nominated Mr Fanning for the volunteer of the year award.

“He does a good job here,” said Inspector Vergano.

“Administration-wise, he does so much for us, which means we can be out on the roads patrolling, and doing what we do best.”

The award ceremony will include the announcement of 11 other categories, including regional field operations officer, counter-terrorism investigations, and employee of the year.

Two other nominees are up for the volunteer award, hailing from Tuggeranong ACT, and Kings Cross NSW. 

Regardless of the outcome, Mr Fanning has already determined how he will celebrate his nomination.

“One Saturday [I will go] to the Commercial Hotel and [get] a lemonade there.”