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FBI honour for Met hero who saved four in blast
Justin Davenport20 May 2009
A senior Scotland Yard officer who lost an eye while rescuing four American FBI agents from a bomb blast in Pakistan has been awarded one of the agency's highest honours.
Detective Superintendent Keith Pearce — a leading counter-terrorism expert — was sitting outside Luna Caprese, an Italian restaurant in the capital Islamabad, in March last year when a bomb was thrown over a wall and exploded near his table.
Four FBI agents who were sitting nearby were injured, two seriously. Wounded by shrapnel and suffering a serious eye injury, Mr Pearce, 51, pulled two of the most seriously injured Americans from the wreckage, dragged them into the restaurant and gave first aid.
He then commandeered a truck and helped all four agents into the back. Over-ruling senior US officials at the scene who wanted to take them to the embassy, he ordered the driver to rush them to hospital.
A Turkish relief worker was killed and 11 others were injured. Mr Pearce — who was helping to train Pakistani police officers — stayed at the restaurant to secure the crime scene and help the authorities evacuate the wounded. The detective's eye was so badly injured it had to be removed at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. He is now registered disabled.
Mr Pearce was presented with the FBI Star by director Robert Mueller in a ceremony at New Scotland Yard. Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said: “To receive the FBI Star is a rare honour and is thoroughly deserved. Detective Superintendent Pearce displayed outstanding bravery and dedication to duty and we are all immensely pleased for him.”
The officer has received the Yard's highest award, the Commissioner's High Commendation. Former Met boss Sir Ian Blair recommended him for a gallantry award but the Yard was advised he was not eligible because the people he saved were not British citizens.
Mr Pearce is a veteran detective who worked on local CID before joining the Yard's counter-terrorism command. He has been involved in a number of inquiries including the investigation of the 7/7 bombings.
He was flown to Washington to be re-united with the FBI agents he saved at its headquarters. Luna Caprese, located in a busy shopping area, was said to be a magnet for western officials, diplomats, journalists and aid workers as one of the few restaurants in Islamabad to serve alcohol.
The bombing was the biggest attack on foreigners in the capital since 2002. Waiter Mazhar Iqbal said: “There was a big blast in the patio and then there were injured people all around.”
Witnesses said a large crater was left in the garden. Police ruled out a suicide attack.
Reader views (10)
I'm pleased to see that the Americans recognise a brave man - shame on our government for not doing so.
- Sally, Cheshire, 23/05/2009 21:51
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Well done Keith. So pleased your bravery has finally been recognised. Shame on our own government (no change there then!) for their shortsighted views. Any life saved is heroic regardless of nationality. Respect cuz!
- Ruth Dearing, BEACONSFIELD, ENGLAND, 23/05/2009 21:42
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In response to Victor's question regarding "to save a non british citizen than to save a British citizen", you have to rememeber this was under Ian Blair where anyone of a slightly dark complection wandering tube stations carrying rucksacks was fair game.
- Bob, Cheam, 21/05/2009 09:11
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do these medals and commendations come with any money?
- Kc, London, 20/05/2009 16:55
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Respect Mr Pearce. So little coverage for such a brave act.
- Roger, Surrey, 20/05/2009 11:57
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Congratulations to the officer for the much deserved award. Nevertheless, I find astonishing the following phrase in the text ; "Former Met boss Sir Ian Blair recommended him for a gallantry award but the Yard was advised he was not eligible because the people he saved were not British citizens."
I wonder why it is less deserving of an award, to save a non british citizen than to save a British citizen. A life is a life. I just can't grasp the difference.
- Victor, London, 20/05/2009 11:31
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A brave man indeed. But why were they in such a place - not very intelligent - if it was such a 'magnet'.
- John Fowler, London, UK., 20/05/2009 11:11
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Good man. See the police try and do well wherever they are.
- S-M Hearmon, London, UK, 20/05/2009 09:51
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Good for him.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 20/05/2009 09:09
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nice one.. well done!
- Maurits, London, UK, 20/05/2009 09:06
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