Westminster attack officer made ‘ultimate sacrifice’

Popular family man Pc Keith Palmer has been hailed for making the “ultimate sacrifice” during the Westminster terror attack.

Family, friends and colleagues of the 48-year-old uniformed officer paid tribute at the Old Bailey inquest into the victims’ deaths.

Pc Palmer was unarmed and wearing body armour when he was fatally stabbed by Khalid Masood in the forecourt of the Palace of Westminster on March 22 last year.

His sister Angela told of Pc Palmer’s career from paperboy to police officer.

She said he joined the force because he wanted to “make a difference”.

He would help his friends and families with household jobs like mowing grass or building walls and loved family gatherings, she said.

She said the best day of his life was when his daughter was born and he went on to become a “proficient nappy changer” as he took to fatherhood.

Pc Palmer took up his job at the Palace of Westminster for a new experience and loved his new role.

His sister said: “He was always brave and took his role as a police officer seriously. He treated everyone with respect.”

“Keith died protecting strangers whilst doing his job and he will be remembered by many for his courage and bravery.”

She said the family was “completely devastated” and would also remember him as a caring and loving father, husband, son, uncle and friend.

Pc Shaun Cartwright described him as a happy, honest and genuine family man who worked to provide for his wife and daughter.

As the “face of British policing”, he was also popular with tourists who flocked to the Palace of Westminster, Pc Nick Carlisle said.

Chief Inspector Neil Sawyer paid tribute to Pc Palmer’s “ultimate sacrifice”.

He said: “His brave actions that day did not surprise me. Keith never backed away from a job protecting people.”

While many would remember him for his “brave actions” and “ultimate sacrifice”, Mr Sawyer said: “To me and others he was our dear friend.”