BRAVERY SALUTE TO HERO OF RAMPAGE
® HARDENED detectives fought back tears yesterday as the bobby killed in the Westminster terror attack was given a police award for his “outstanding bravery”.
Pc Keith Palmer was stabbed to death after confronting terrorist Khalid Masood, who had driven a car into crowds on Westminster Bridge last March.
The unarmed officer, who was married with a five-year-old daughter, helped to prevent the knifewielding attacker entering Parliament.
Masood, 52, who killed four others and injured 50 in his rampage, was shot dead by armed police.
Pc Palmer, who was 48, was given a posthumous gong for outstanding bravery at the annual Met Excellence Awards.
The officer had served with the Metropolitan Police for 16 years.
Force commissioner Cressida Dick told the ceremony he “gave his life protecting Parliament doing a job he loved”.
It was announced last June that the Queen would honour Pc Palmer with the George Medal for bravery.
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, who rushed to help Pc Palmer after he was stabbed and battled to revive him, received an outstanding contribution award at the ceremony.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: “Pc Keith Palm- er gave his life to protect the public.
“His courage and dedication to duty in confronting a vicious terrorist is testimony to the bravery shown every day by our police who work so hard to keep us safe.”
She added: “He paid the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out his duties and I am deeply grateful for his commitment to protect our country and its people.”