NSW: 26 AFP officers honoured for work in East Timor

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2000
NSW: 26 AFP officers honoured for work in East Timor

An Australian Federal Police agent who volunteered to stay behind with the East Timorese
refugees under siege in a UN compound last year was among those honoured in an award ceremony
today.

Federal agent SHARON MCCARTHY was the only female officer among the last 13 foreign
police who remained behind to protect the refugees until the UN had negotiated their release
from Timor by the Indonesian government.

Her role has also been recognised by the International Police Women's Association who
will present their 2000 Medal of Valour to Ms MCCARTHY in Toronto in September.

Today in Sydney, she was among 26 AFP officers who were awarded the Police Overseas
Service Medal for their work in East Timor during the transition to independence from
Indonesia.

Presenting the medals, Justice Minister AMANDA VANSTONE said most people were unaware
that the AFP stood up to the militias unarmed and without the support of the army.

AAP RTV dmc/nf/jn

KEYWORD: MEDALS (SYDNEY)

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