Former Sergeant at arms to be made Canadian Ambassador to Ireland
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Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers received a standing ovation as he entered the House of Commons in Ottawa in October, 2014.Associated Press The man credited with stopping the Ottawa shooter who killed a Canadian soldier before storming the country’s parliament buildings is joining Canada’s diplomatic corps.
Kevin Vickers, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Canadian legislature, was named as Canada’s ambassador to Ireland, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement.
“Kevin Vickers has shown profound leadership and dedication to the security of Canada and its national institutions. His extensive experience working with Parliament, as well as his bravery and integrity, will serve to deepen close bilateral relations between Canada and Ireland in the years ahead,” Mr. Harper said.
Mr. Vickers, who is 58 years old and a former member of Canada’s national police force, said in a statement he was “humbled” by the appointment, and wanted to thank Canadians who offered their support in the last few months.
Last Oct. 22, the center of Canada’s capital was locked down after Michael Zehaf-Bibeau shot and killed a soldier at the National War Memorial and then forced his way, firearm in hand, into the country’s Parliament building, just as the three main political parties were holding their weekly caucus meetings.
Mr. Vickers was credited killing Mr. Zehaf-Bibeau after a standoff in front of the doors entering Canada’s parliamentary library.
The day after, he received a standing ovation from lawmakers in Canada’s lower house, with Mr. Harper saying he would be “very remiss” if he didn’t acknowledge the “great work” of Mr. Vickers and parliamentary security staff. A photo of Mr. Vickers entering the Canadian legislature was on the front page of The Wall Street Journal on Oct. 24.
Canada’s sergeant-at-arms tends to perform high-profile ceremonial and administrative duties, one of which includes bearing the mace ahead of the speaker of the House of Commons as the speaker enters and exits the lawmaking chamber each day. The job also includes overseeing security at the country’s parliament buildings.
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Kevin Vickers, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Canadian legislature, was named as Canada’s ambassador to Ireland, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement.
“Kevin Vickers has shown profound leadership and dedication to the security of Canada and its national institutions. His extensive experience working with Parliament, as well as his bravery and integrity, will serve to deepen close bilateral relations between Canada and Ireland in the years ahead,” Mr. Harper said.
Mr. Vickers, who is 58 years old and a former member of Canada’s national police force, said in a statement he was “humbled” by the appointment, and wanted to thank Canadians who offered their support in the last few months.
Last Oct. 22, the center of Canada’s capital was locked down after Michael Zehaf-Bibeau shot and killed a soldier at the National War Memorial and then forced his way, firearm in hand, into the country’s Parliament building, just as the three main political parties were holding their weekly caucus meetings.
Mr. Vickers was credited killing Mr. Zehaf-Bibeau after a standoff in front of the doors entering Canada’s parliamentary library.
The day after, he received a standing ovation from lawmakers in Canada’s lower house, with Mr. Harper saying he would be “very remiss” if he didn’t acknowledge the “great work” of Mr. Vickers and parliamentary security staff. A photo of Mr. Vickers entering the Canadian legislature was on the front page of The Wall Street Journal on Oct. 24.
Canada’s sergeant-at-arms tends to perform high-profile ceremonial and administrative duties, one of which includes bearing the mace ahead of the speaker of the House of Commons as the speaker enters and exits the lawmaking chamber each day. The job also includes overseeing security at the country’s parliament buildings.
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