Timilty was appointed police commissioner by Governor James Michael Curley on November 25, 1936.
Prior to accepting the position, Timilty was a member of the Governor's military staff.
[2] On March 27, 1943, Timilty and six of his subordinates were indicted on charges of conspiracy to permit the operation of gambling houses and the registration of bets.
He finished a distant third in the primary behind incumbent John Hynes and former mayor James Michael Curley.
[8] Timilty died on October 2, 1980, in Bal Harbour, Florida.