Admin l Saturday, June 17, 2017
WESTMINSTER, London – PC Keith Palmer, who died in the Westminster terror attack, is to be awarded a posthumous George Medal for bravery in The Queen’s civilian gallantry list.
The list, published on Friday, 16 June, commends Keith’s heroic actions in protecting members of the public and Parliament from an armed terrorist on Wednesday, 22 March.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, said: “Keith acted that day with no thought for his own safety, intent simply on doing his job and protecting members of the public and Parliament. He paid the ultimate price for his selfless actions. We continue to grieve the loss of a much-loved and respected colleague and friend while supporting his family through this truly difficult time.
“I know that I speak on behalf of all of my officers and staff when I say how immensely proud we all are that PC Palmer is to receive posthumously the George Medal for bravery. It is an honour that could not be more deserved and I know it will mean a great deal to all those who knew and loved him.”
Keith, who had served on the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Group since April 2016, was confronted on the afternoon of 22 March by an attacker who just moments before had been responsible for the murder and serious injury of several innocent members of the public on Westminster Bridge.
The murderer was armed with two large knives and despite the danger posed, PC Palmer moved to confront him, intent on protecting his colleagues and the public. In doing so he became the victim of a ferocious attack which took him to the ground, suffering injuries that were to cost him his life.
His actions provided time for other officers to react and shoot and stop the assailant.
The Queen gallantry list citation adds: “PC Palmer’s bravery and professionalism unquestionably saved lives. PC Palmer did his duty. He stood his ground and placed himself between Parliament and a terrorist determined to harm those within. In doing so he made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Keith had been in the Metropolitan Police Service for 16 years. Prior to joining the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Group he was a member of the Territorial Support Group, based at Catford but patrolling and working across London. He was based on Bromley borough between 2002 and 2009. Keith was nominated in 2015 for best thief taker in the Commissioner’s Excellence Awards, having made more than 150 arrests in 12 months.
