The House of Commons sergeant-at-arms hailed as a hero for stopping a gunman on Parliament Hill in October was named Thursday as Canada’s ambassador to Ireland.

Kevin Vickers, 58, steps into the position held by Loyola Hearn, a former Conservative cabinet minister from Newfoundland and Labrador.

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“I am humbled by the invitation to serve my country in this way,” said Vickers, whose family is originally from Ireland.

Vickers’ Victoria-based brother, John, said his family was elated to hear the news.

“Everyone is proud and wishing him well in his new post,” John Vickers said. “We think he would make an excellent ambassador to Ireland.”

Kevin Vickers is one of five siblings who grew up in Miramachi, N.B., where his mother still lives. Both sides of his family — the Vickers and the Kingstons — hail from County Cork in southwest Ireland.

“Our mom is 88 but she still gets out and about,” John Vickers said. “I’d love to see her and the family [go] over and do a visit.”

After almost 30 years going up the ranks in the RCMP, Kevin Vickers retired in 2005 as chief superintendent. He became director of security for the House of Commons that year and, in 2006, became sergeant-at-arms.

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.”

Kevin Vickers is credited with firing the shot that killed gunman Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, who stormed Parliament Hill on Oct. 22.

Zehaf-Bibeau gunned down Canadian Forces Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was standing sentry at the National War Memorial. Zehaf-Bibeau then ran into the Centre Block on Parliament Hill, exchanging gunshots with security personnel. He was killed in front of the library of Parliament.

The next day, Vickers was given a standing ovation as he carried the ceremonial mace into the House of Commons.

“It’s nice this time people are calling on more of a celebratory event rather than an event in which there was so much tragedy involved,” John Vickers said.

Green party Leader Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, said Kevin Vickers’ background in law enforcement, mediation and democracy make him an ideal choice.

“What better ambassador for any country could we send than Kevin Vickers,” May said. “It’s a brilliant, inspired choice and I commend the prime minister for thinking of it.”

The Speaker of the House of Commons said deputy sergeant-at-arms Pat McDonell will handle security in the interim.

Victoria NDP MP Murray Rankin said of Kevin Vickers: “He’s a people person and he’s a national hero. He’s an exceptional man and it’s an excellent appointment.”

ceharnett@timescolonist.com

— With a file from The Canadian Press