Brother of sergeant-at-arms shocked about Ottawa shootings

The brother of the man who reportedly shot a gunman on Parliament Hill is in disbelief after the incident.

Kevin Vickers, a sergeant-at-arms in the House of Commons, is a 29-year veteran of the RCMP.

His brother John Vickers spoke with News Talk Radio from B.C. He said he is proud of his brother, who grew up in New Brunswick.

“Kevin was always exemplary of that. I used to call him super cop. He was just always an outstanding character and valour to the nation,” John said, adding he thinks this was the first time his brother had to use a firearm.

“Kevin was in the RCMP for almost 30 years and I don’t think ever had to fire a gun in a situation but of course that all changed this morning.”

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Vickers said he was shocked to hear there was a shooting in Ottawa where his brother works.

“I was more shocked to know my brother was in the middle of it all,” he said.

Kevin, 58, was appointed director of security operations for the House of Commons in June 2005.  He had previously worked as aide-de-camp for New Brunswick’s lieutenant-governor.

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.

As an RCMP officer, Vickers has been responsible for security services provided for the Queen and Prince Andrew.

On Twitter, MPs credited Vickers with saving their lives.

“MPs and Hill staff owe their safety, even lives, to [sergeant-at-arms] Kevin Vickers who shot attacker just outside the MPs’ caucus rooms,” tweeted New Democrat Craig Scott.

Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino tweeted: “I am safe & profoundly grateful to Sgt at Arms Kevin Vickers & our security forces for selfless act of keeping us safe.

-with files from Canadian Press

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