In what is normally considered a ceremonial position, but was recently proved otherwise, Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers returned to the House of Commons Thursday morning to a dramatic standing ovation.
Vickers is being hailed a hero for his actions Wednesday morning when a gunman stormed Parliament Hill and opened fire, killing Cpl. Nathan Cirillo as he stood guard at the National War Memorial and wounding Constable Samearn Son inside Parliament. Vickers retrieved a pistol from his office and shot and killed the gunman.
As Vickers returned to work the day after the shooting, carrying the ornate ceremonial mace down the long hall, as he had done each day for years, the raw emotion could be seen through his stern expression as he was greeted with clapping and cheering from every single person present.
But Vickers did not single himself out as the hero in the tragic situation.
“Yesterday, during extraordinary circumstances, security personnel demonstrated professionalism and courage. I am grateful and proud to be part of this team,” Vickers later said in a statement.
[ CBC News ]
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