Kevin Vickers among new members of Order of New Brunswick
The Order of New Brunswick has appointed more than 130 people since its inception in 2000
New Brunswick's Kevin Vickers was inducted into the Order of New Brunswick on Wednesday in a ceremony at Government House in Fredericton.
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Vickers was involved in subduing Michael Zehaf-Bibeau after he shot and killed Corporal Nathan Cirillo, a member of the honour guard at the National War Memorial.
It's one of those things you don't dwell upon. We do our duty and move on.- Kevin Vickers, new member of the Order of New Brunswick
In a statement from the Lieutenant-Governor's office, Vickers was lauded for his long career with the RCMP and "for his selfless courage as Sergeant-at-Arms at the House of Commons."
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Vickers said he was honoured by the investiture.
"It's very special. I'm from the Miramichi, I've always said I'm a poor boy from the north shore of New Brunswick and to come back home is a wonderful feeling."
Vickers is now Canada's ambassador to Ireland, a role he said has been "a moving experience," as his ancestors were Irish.
When asked how he felt on the first anniversary of the Parliament Hill attack, Vickers said it was a difficult day for everyone.
"I'm very proud to have been part of a great security team at the House of Commons … it's one of those things you don't dwell upon. We do our duty and move on."
The other new members of the Order, include:
- Camille Albert, Fredericton, entrepreneur, Francophone community supporter and dedicated to community groups,
- Sister Arleen Brawley, Saint John, leadership in helping women recover from addiction,
- Gary Gould, Fredericton, contribution to social, cultural and economic well-being of off-reserve aboriginal people,
- Rev. Brent Hawkes, Bath, leadership in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights,
- Thaddeus Holownia, Sackville, internationally-recognized photographer and visual artist,
- Carol Loughrey, Fredericton, champion for women in business, academia and government,
- Sister Adèle Morin, Petit-Rocher, work on behalf of children with intellectual and physical disabilities,
- Dr. Réjean Thomas, Tilley Road, physician, missionary, humanitarian and activist,
- Marlene Unger, Fredericton, for work on human rights, social justice and education, including promotion of awareness of the Holocaust.
The Order of New Brunswick has invested more than 130 people since its inception in 2000.