CP

Kevin Vickers, sergeant-at-arms of the House of Commons, is being hailed as a hero after reportedly shooting and killing a gunman inside Parliament on Wednesday. Vickers, a 29-year veteran of the RCMP, was praised by politicians, journalists and the public for saving lives. He told CBC Wednesday afternoon that he is safe and alright.

To all in Ottawa, stay safe & strong. Thank God for Sgt at Arms Kevin Vickers & our Cdn security forces. True heroes #cndpoli — Peter MacKay (@MinPeterMacKay) October 22, 2014

Heroic actions by Sgt. at Arms Kevin Vickers today. He saved lives. — Mercedes Stephenson (@CTVMercedes) October 22, 2014

I am safe & profoundly grateful to Sgt at Arms Kevin Vickers & our security forces for selfless act of keeping us safe — Julian Fantino (@JulianFantino) October 22, 2014

So sad for the family of the fallen soldier. So proud of Kevin Vickers. So mad about it all. So worried about what this will mean. — Martha Hall Findlay (@MHallFindlay) October 22, 2014

Speak softly and carry a big stick. Kevin Vickers is a hero. pic.twitter.com/LNxBLnBAtE — Stephen Taylor (@stephen_taylor) October 22, 2014

Hero. @affanchowdhry: Kevin Vickers, head of security in parliament, being credited for taking down shooter #Ottawapic.twitter.com/rVYetE0KYq" — Senator Linda Frum (@LindaFrum) October 22, 2014

Remind me to hug Kevin Vickers next time I see him. — kady o'malley (@kady) October 22, 2014

Vickers' younger brother, John, tweeted that his thoughts are with his brother and that his family is being contacted by media around the world.

Thoughts are with my big brother Kevin Vickers. — John Vickers (@Johnfvickers) October 22, 2014

Family hearing from media around the world. Whew. — John Vickers (@Johnfvickers) October 22, 2014

During his nearly three decades with the RCMP Vickers, who is now 58, rose to the rank of chief superintendent, often serving as the face of the national police force in New Brunswick. Before his appointment as sergeant-of-arms, Vickers was director of security operations for the House of Commons. He has provided security for dignitaries and as an RCMP officer, Vickers was responsible for security services provided for the Queen and Prince Andrew. Vickers was the RCMP commander during a series of tense standoffs between officials and Mi'kmaq fishermen in Burnt Church, N.B. in the 2000s. The First Nation objected to federal fisheries' limits on how many traps they could set, leading to blockades and confrontations. "Despite the incredible tension, Inspector Vickers was always respectful, accommodating, and cool under pressure," said Huffington Post B.C. news editor, Andree Lau, who was a CBC reporter in New Brunswick at the time. He applied that same professionalism to all issues, big and small, said Lau. "He took that kind of care to treat everyone fairly, whether it was a vandalism complaint or if it was a major criminal issue. And that was vital in a small region like Northern New Brunswick," she said.

Then-RCMP Insp. Kevin Vickers fields questions concerning the force's role in operations on Miramichi Bay at a news conference in Neguac, N.B., on Monday, Sept. 25, 2000.

Then-RCMP spokesman Kevin Vickers ponders a question, Monday Sept. 17, 2001, in Neguac, N.B. as he comments on confrontations between natives and non-native fishermen. The sergeant-at-arms is responsible for safeguarding the authority of the House of Commons, as well as the safety and security of the Parliament buildings. He has served in the role for the past eight years.

The new sargeant-at-arms, Kevin Vickers, is introduced to Members of Parliament, in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Sept. 18, 2006.