As a Western Australia Police constable, he was serving with the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor.

Forced back by the intense heat and smoke from the fire, Britten left the burning remains of the building to seek help.

On this third attempt for Britten, he and Joyes were able to free the woman from the wreckage, carrying her out of the club, where she was transported to receive medical attention.

Throughout his rescue attempts, Britten was aware of the danger of being severely injured or killed, yet persisted in his efforts until it was no longer possible.

Britten was awarded the Cross of Valour on 17 October 2003,[4] and was presented the medal by the then Governor-General of Australia, Major General Michael Jeffery.

The Cross of Valour, along with his other awards, his police uniform and a number of photographs and personal effects, are on display at the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum.

[5] In 2013 Britten, along with Allan Sparkes and John Meyers who is the director of the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum founded the Cross of Valour Association of Australia.

In December 2016 it was announced that Britten was an ambassador for Blue Hope, an organisation dedicated to preventing and raising awareness of police suicide.