A Dunedin police officer who saved an elderly man from drowning in Timor-Leste earlier this year has been presented with a United Nations Courageous Service Award.
Senior Constable Malcolm Parker served as part of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste between November 2008 and April 2009.
In March, an elderly Timorese man was attempting to make his way through a swollen river on horseback but was left floundering when the horse was swept off its feet.
Senior Constable Parker waded into the rapidly rising river and dragged the man to safety.
The award describes his actions as heroic and chivalrous and commends him for his "courageous and valiant accomplishment".
