THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS who shot dead a gunman who had killed a soldier at Canada’s parliament has been named as Canada’s new Ambassador to Ireland.

Kevin Vickers was hailed as a hero after he drew his handgun to take down the man who stormed the Canadian House of Commons in Ottawa.

Today, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Vickers as the successor to Canada’s current ambassador who has held the role since 2010.

Harper described Vickers as someone who has “shown profound leadership and dedication to the security of Canada”.

“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,” Harper said.

Before Vickers took on the position of Sergeant-at-Arms at the Commons, he was head of security and before that was a Chief Superintendent in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Vickers’ appointment has been welcomed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan:

He has a strong Irish-Canadian background, is a very good friend of the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa and his family have been involved in Irish affairs in New Brunswick for many years.

Read: Sergeant-at-Arms who shot Canadian gunman gets standing ovation >

Read: City on lock down after soldier shot dead outside Canada’s parliament >

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