Kevin Vickers, hailed as hero for stopping Ottawa shooter, to become ambassador

OTTAWA — The man hailed as a hero for stopping an attack on Parliament Hill has been named Canadian ambassador to Ireland.

Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers is credited with killing a man who'd stormed into Centre Block in October after killing a soldier at the National War Memorial.

Vickers was honoured in the House of Commons for his actions and has gone on to international renown, feted by world leaders and media personalities.

He is an Irish-Canadian from New Brunswick who had a lengthy career in the RCMP before joining the House of Commons security staff in 2005 and becoming sergeant-at-arms in 2006.

"Kevin Vickers has shown profound leadership and dedication to the security of Canada and its national institutions," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement.

"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."

The NDP's Foreign Affairs critic said Vickers will be missed on Parliament Hill.

"For the last eight years, Mr. Vickers has been a strong and reassuring presence in the House of Commons," Paul Dewar said.

"I know that he will continue to represent Canada with poise and honour as a diplomat."

Vickers will replace Loyola Hearn, a former Conservative MP and cabinet minister who was appointed to the position in 2010.