Kevin Vickers
Kevin Michael Vickers ONB SC (born September 29, 1956) is a Canadian politician, former diplomat, and retired police officer. He served as the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Association from 2019 to 2020, a retired Canadian diplomat, former Sergeant at Arms and former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer. He was the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland from 2015 until 2019 and the ninth Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons of Canada from 2006 to 2015.
Kevin Vickers | |
|---|---|
Vickers in 2015 | |
| Leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Association | |
| In office April 24, 2019 – September 14, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Denis Landry (interim) |
| Succeeded by | Roger Melanson (interim) |
| 29th Canadian Ambassador to Ireland | |
| In office January 19, 2015 – March 2, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Loyola Hearn |
| Succeeded by | Suzanne Drisdelle (Chargé d’Affaires ad interim) |
| 9th Sergeant-at-Arms of the Canadian House of Commons | |
| In office September 1, 2006 – January 10, 2015 | |
| Clerk | Audrey O'Brien |
| Preceded by | Maurice Gaston Cloutier |
| Succeeded by | Pat McDonell (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Kevin Michael Vickers September 29, 1956 Chatham, New Brunswick |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Political party | Liberal (Provincial) |
| Parent(s) | William James Vickers Monica Margaret Vickers (née Kingston) |
| Occupation | Police officer, diplomat, politician |
| Police career | |
| Department | Royal Canadian Mounted Police |
| Service years | 1976–2005 |
| Status | Retired |
| Rank | Chief Superintendent |
Vickers participated in ending the October 22, 2014, shootings at Parliament Hill alongside RCMP Constable Curtis Barrett when they both returned heavy fire at gunman Zehaf-Bibeau. Minutes earlier, Zehaf-Bibeau had killed Corporal Nathan Cirillo, a soldier, at the Canadian National War Memorial and shot a constable at the Peace Tower entrance. For his actions Vickers has been called a hero by the Prime Minister, Ministers of the Crown, the Leader of the Opposition, and Canadian and international media. Barrett's contribution was largely ignored. On February 8, 2016, Vickers was presented with the Star of Courage along with six others involved in bringing the incident under control. Eight others were awarded the Medal of Bravery.
Prior to his role in Parliament, Vickers served in the RCMP for 29 years, rising to the rank of Chief Superintendent.