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House of Commons Sergeant-At-Arms Kevin Vickers has been appointed Canada’s new ambassador to Ireland.

“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,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement.

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Vickers will succeed Loyola Hearn, who was appointed Canada’s Ambassador to Ireland in 2010.

“Kevin Vickers has shown profound leadership and dedication to the security of Canada and its national institutions,” Harper added.

Vickers was hailed as a hero for his role in the Oct. 22 shooting in Centre Block on Parliament Hill and taking down lone gunman Michael Zehaf-Bibeau.

He has been credited with firing the final shot that killed Zehaf-Bibeau in a gun fight in the Hall of Honour near the Sergeant-at-Arms’ office. That was just outside the Library of Parliament entrance, down the hall from where the Conservative and NDP caucuses were holding their weekly meetings.