Tributes paid to murdered colleague PC Keith Palmer

TRIBUTES have been paid to Met Police officer PC Keith Palmer – bravely killed on duty in London protecting Parliament from a terrorist attack.

PC Palmer – a member of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command – was 48 years old, had 15 years’ service and was a husband and a father. PC Palmer was unarmed as he ran towards danger and sadly made the ultimate sacrifice.

A statement from his family said: “Keith will be remembered as a wonderful dad and husband. A loving son, brother and uncle. A long-time supporter of Charlton FC.

“Dedicated to his job and proud to be a police officer, brave and courageous. A friend to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed. We love him so much.”

An online fund created for the family by the Metropolitan Police Federation had raised over £700,000 at the time of writing.

PC Palmer’s family added: “We have been overwhelmed by the love and support for our family, and most especially, the outpouring of love and respect for our Keith.

“We want to thank everyone who has reached out to us over the past few days for their kindness and generosity. The police have been a constant, unwavering support at this very difficult time. It has made us realise what a caring, strong and supportive family Keith was part of during his career with the police. We can’t thank them enough.

“We would also like to express our gratitude to the people who were with Keith in his last moments and who were working that day. There was nothing more you could have done.

“You did your best and we are just grateful he was not alone. We care about him being remembered for his selfless bravery and loving nature. We miss him so much, but we are also incredibly proud of Keith.”

PC Keith Palmer joined the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in April 2016 and before that was in the Territorial Support Group (TSG), based at Catford but patrolling and working across London. Prior to the TSG, he was based on Bromley borough between 2002 and 2009.

Keith, who was 48 and joined the Met in November 2001, was married with a five-year-old daughter.

Keith was nominated in 2015 for best thief taker in the Commissioner’s Excellence Awards, having made more than 150 arrests in 12 months.

As a mark of respect Keith’s shoulder number – 4157U – will be retired and not reissued to any other officer.

Metropolitan Police Federation Chairman Ken Marsh said: “We offer our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of PC Keith Palmer. Our thoughts are also with all those killed and injured in the incident in Westminster.

“This incident sadly shows the dangers our colleagues face on a daily basis. They show incredible bravery protecting the public. PC Palmer ran towards extreme danger to protect us all.

“The Metropolitan Police Federation will be supporting the officer’s colleagues in any way we can.”