TRIBUTE TO A HERO
Prime Minister and heartbroken family lead tributes to courageous police officer who paid the ultimate price
THERESA May yesterday led the tributes to murdered police officer Keith Palmer, calling him “every inch a hero”.
The courageous cop’s wife, comforting their five-year-old daughter, said simply: “We love him so much.”
The many memories shared by those who knew him were testament to the impact soldier turned police officer Keith, 48, had in his life.
In the Commons, which he died trying to protect, it was business as usual. But it was a day of high emotions too.
At 9.33am, the chamber fell silent for a minute to honour the sacrifice made by Keith – whose shoulder number was 933.
Then the Prime Minister addressed MPs, saying of the fallen officer: “He was every inch a hero and his actions will never be forgotten.”
She spoke of the necessary response to the previous day’s atrocity – getting on with life in defiance of the terrorists.
May added: “A response driven by that same spirit that drove a husband and father to put himself between us and our attacker, and to pay the ultimate price.”
Later, MP James Cleverly fought back tears as he spoke of knowing Keith as a friend from their time together in the Army.
A former police colleague rang a radio station call-in programme to describe how he saved her life in a car crash.
Keith’s beloved Charlton Athletic FC draped a scarf over the seat he occupied as a season ticket holder for many years.
And people across the country dug deep for an appeal to help his wife and child.
With a target of £250,000, it had exceeded £330,000 by 11pm last night, with the money continuing to pour in.
Keith’s family issued a statement which read: “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.
“His friends and family are shocked and devastated by his loss and ask that they are left to grieve alone in peace.” Cleverly, the MP for Braintree, told the Commons he had first met “Gunner Palmer” 25 years ago when they served in the Army together.
Struggling to keep his emotions in check and with his voice wavering, he said the fallen officer was a “strong, professional public servant”.
He asked May to consider awarding Keith a posthumous honour.
He said: “While our hearts go to all those people who were wounded and murdered yesterday, and to all the people who sought to help them, I’d like to turn for just a moment to PC Keith Palmer, who I first met 25 years ago as Gunner Keith Palmer, at headquarters, Battery 100 Regiment, Royal Artillery.
“Would the Prime Minister … consider recognising his gallantry and sacrifice formally with a posthumous recognition?”
May replied: “I thank him for the not just compassion, but passion with which he has spoken about an individual he knew, and he bears witness to the tremendous public service Keith Palmer had given this country in so many ways.
“I can assure my honourable friend that the issue that he’s raised is of course one that will be considered in due course.”
May also spoke about the bravery of Foreign Office minister Tobias Ellwood, who desperately tried to save Keith’s life.
There were calls for the former Royal Green Jackets officer to be recognised but he stood quietly in the House solemnly with his head bowed and arms folded.
Another Army veteran, Tony Davis, now a GB Boxing performance coach, also fought in vain to save Keith’s life.
He was leaving an event with a group of boxers when he saw the attack taking place.
He said: “I saw a large chap brandishing two knives come through the gates and start attacking the policeman.
“Instinct kicked in, I leaped over the fence because that guy needed assistance.
“The police were holding their ground and that is when poor Keith got attacked.”
Tony told how he rushed in to give Keith CPR, saying: “I just knew he was in a great deal of difficulty. My natural instinct was to get over there and give some assistance if need be.”
One former police officer, identified as Nina from south London, rang LBC radio to reveal the debt she owed Keith.
She said: “I had a car accident on duty. He was one of the police officers who saved my life.
“I owe him everything. He was a wonderful dad, and wonderful husband to his wife.
“He was just fun, a laugh, and he cared. He actually cared about the people. He really did, he was a lovely man and everyone’s going to really miss him.”
Apart from his family and his job, Keith’s great love was Charlton Athletic.
A spokesman for the club said: “Keith was a familiar face at The Valley to many supporters and sat in his same East Stand seat for many years. “Keith was a true hero who will be greatly missed by the Charlton family.”
The club added that they had laid a scarf on Keith’s seat and would be considering a more lasting memorial to him.