Kevin Vickers named ambassador to Ireland

Kevin Vickers, the House of Commons sergeant-at-arms who became a household name in October after his confrontation with a gunman in a hallway on Parliament Hill, will be Canada's next ambassador to Ireland.

The appointment is effective Jan. 19. Vickers, 58, replaces Loyola Hearn, a former Conservative cabinet minister who held the post from 2011 until last August.

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"I've known Kevin for a very long time," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said at an event in Delta, B.C., on Thursday, touting his vast security and management experience and "tremendous acts of heroism."

"I think they speak for themselves and speak to his character, and Iknow he will do a tremendous job as ambassador," Harper said."I know he's looking forward to that assignment."

"As a Canadian with family on both sides hailing from Ireland, there could be no greater honour. I am humbled by the invitation to serve my country in this way," said Vickers in a statement, adding that he was saddened to be leaving Parliament Hill, but will cherish his time there.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all Canadians for their support in the last few months. You have my word that I will do my best to represent you in Ireland with pride and dignity," he said.

Hero of Ottawa shootings

Vickersmade headlines afterthe October shooting death of Cpl. NathanCirillo, who was standing sentry at the National War Memorial.

Vickersshot Michael Zehaf-Bibeau after the man gunned down thesoldier.

Zehaf-Bibeaudrovehis car theshort distance from the memorial to the entrance of Parliament Hill. He thenran through the gate,hijacked a minister's car and drove it up to theCentre Block. After entering, heexchanged gunshots with securityas he ran down the Hall of Honour. Hewas killed in front of the library of Parliament.

Vickerswas credited for his bravery and skill in the final confrontation, with some saying he fired the fatal shot after getting his gun from his nearby office.

After the shooting, heentered the nearby Conservative caucus meeting room and said:"I engaged the suspect and the suspect is deceased."

The next day, MPs gave him a standing ovation as the House of Commons resumed sitting.

Applause across party lines

"We're going to miss him," NDP foreign affairs critic Paul Dewar said."Mr. Vickers has been a strong and reassuring presence.

"He knows protocol and he likes people," Dewar pointed out particularly fortunate, he noted, given his destination.

"This is Ireland, after all we don't want to send someone boring or reserved."

Government whip John Duncan told CBC News thatVickersis a humble,fun-loving guywhodoesn't seek the limelight.

"One of the first things he wants to do is bring road hockey to the young men and women in his new neighbourhood in Dublin ...he's got a driveway that would probably fit the bill," he said.

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"Kevin Vickers showed great courage and diplomatic skill," Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May said she knew Vickers would bring professionalism, dedication, and insight to his new job. "I am proud to call him my friend," herstatement said.

"Thanks to his exceptional leadership our security systems are stronger, service delivery has been greatly improved, and there has been major progress on the plan to preserve and renew our historic parliamentary buildings, saidHouse of Commons Speaker AndrewScheerin a statement.

Scheersaidsecurity will be led byVickers' deputy, PatMcDonell, until further notice.

Longcareer in security

Vickersnever talked about the shooting, save for a short interview he gave while he was in Israel for asecurity conference in November. Israel's parliamenthonouredVickersfor his bravery.

"The incident that occurred on Oct. 22was magnificently handled by a complete team effort by House of Commons security services, which I'm exceptionally proud of to be a part of, and our security partners, the Ottawa city police and the RCMP," Vickerssaid in November.

Vickers grew up in Miramichi, N.B., and served for29 years with the RCMP. Thursday's announcementemphasized his experience inFirst Nations communitiesand work on major crime units.

He has a strong Irish-Canadian background, is a very good friend of the embassy of Ireland in Ottawa and his family have been involved in Irish affairs in New Brunswick for many years," saidIrish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan in a statement.

Heworkedas anaide-de-campfor New Brunswick's lieutenant-governorand protectedthe Royal Family and other foreign dignitaries duringvisits to Canada.

Vickersbecamesergeant-at-arms in2006, after retiring from the RCMP and joining the House of Commons as director ofsecurity in 2005. The role includes bothceremonial and security responsibilities.

Representatives from allsecurity forces that share jurisdiction on Parliament Hill begana detailed examination and revisionof securityafterthe October incident.

Miramichi proud of Kevin Vickers

10 years ago

Duration 1:33

Miramichii residents react to native Kevin Vickers being appointed Canada's next ambassador to Ireland.