President Ramos-Horta awards Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste to Chief Sergeant of the Perth Police Academy
DILI, 21 August 2026 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, conferred the Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste upon Chief Sergeant of the Perth Police Academy, Timothy Ian Britten, during a ceremony held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
The Order of Timor-Leste is the nation’s highest honor, bestowed upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the country.
Chief Sergeant Timothy Ian Britten received the Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste under the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 94/2026, in recognition of his distinguished service to Timor-Leste during a critical period following the nation’s restoration of independence.
Chief Sergeant Timothy Ian Britten is a Senior Sergeant with the Western Australia Police and currently the most highly decorated police officer in Australia.
He has a longstanding commitment to public service and to the people of the region. He is known in Australia for his courage during the 2002 Bali bombings, which occurred while he was in Bali on rest and recreation (R&R) leave from a peacekeeping mission in Timor-Leste. During the attack, he repeatedly entered the devastated Sari Club area to rescue injured people. He was subsequently awarded the Cross of Valour, Australia’s highest civilian bravery decoration.
The Cross of Valour is exceptionally rare, having been awarded only five times in Australia since the establishment of the Australian honours system in 1975.
Chief Sergeant Timothy’s visit to Timor-Leste reflects his strong respect for the country, its people, and the enduring relationship between Timor-Leste and Australia.
Having served in Timor-Leste on a peacekeeping mission, he is honoured to return to Dili and to have the opportunity to meet with representatives of Timor-Leste, including the President.
Throughout his service, Chief Sergeant Timothy has remained a strong advocate for courage, service, friendship, and cooperation between communities across the region.
President José Ramos-Horta said: “We honour Chief Sergeant Britten’s deployment to Timor-Leste as part of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), following the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence. During his mission, he served within the United Nations police component, undertaking vital responsibilities in maintaining public order, provisional law enforcement, and supporting the development and strengthening of the National Police of Timor-Leste. Chief Sergeant Britten stands as a living bridge between our two nations.”
The President and the people of Timor-Leste extend their deepest gratitude to Chief Sergeant Britten and reiterated Timor-Leste’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and international cooperation in the pursuit of peace, stability, and development.
TATOLI
