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Sergeant-at-arms who reportedly shot suspect hailed as hero by MPs
Ottawa
The Canadian Press

This article was published more than 9 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.

The man who is reported to have shot an assailant on Parliament Hill is being hailed as a hero by members of the House of Commons.

Kevin Vickers, 58, is a former police officer with a background in providing security services for dignitaries, including members of the Royal Family.

On Twitter, MPs credited Vickers with saving their lives.

Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino tweeted:

Justice Minister Peter MacKay thanked Vickers and security forces on Parliament Hill.

Other MPs expressed their thanks and appreciation:

Mr. Vickers became the sergeant-at-arms in the House of Commons eight years ago after a varied career in security.

He spent 29 years with the RCMP and rose to the rank of chief superintendent, often serving as the face of the national police force in New Brunswick. Before his appointment as sergeant-of-arms, Vickers was director of security operations for the House of Commons.

He had previously worked as aide-de-camp for New Brunswick's lieutenant-governor.

The sergeant-at-arms is responsible for safeguarding the authority of the House of Commons, as well as the safety and security of the Parliament buildings.

Media outlets from around the world have gravitated to the hero story, inundating the Vickers family with interview requests.