Kevin Vickers awarded Order of New Brunswick

Kevin Vickers, the former House of Commons sergeant-at-arms who took down shooter Michael Zehaf-Bibeau last fall, is one of 10 Order of New Brunswick recipients.

Last October, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was standing sentry at the National War Memorial near Parliament Hill, was gunned downed by Bibeau. Vickers stopped the gunman in the House of Commons.

According to a news release, Vickers, originally from Miramichi, is being honoured for his "selfless courage" and his dedication to service for his long RCMP career.

Vickers is now Canada's ambassador to Ireland.

The government announced the recipients Aug. 3 as part of the New Brunswick Day celebrations.

The other members named to the Order of New Brunswick:

- Camille Albert, Fredericton – Entrepreneur, supporter of francophone community and community organizations.

- Sister Arleen Brawley, Saint John – Leadership in helping women recover from addictions.

- Gary Gould, Fredericton – Contributor toward social, cultural, economic well-being of off-reserve aboriginal people.

- Brent Hawkes, Bath – Leadership in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender rights.

- Thaddeus Holownia, Sackville – International photographer, visual artist.

- Carol Loughrey, Fredericton – Role model for women in business, academia, 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, particularly support for and treatment of persons with sexually-transmitted infections.

- Marlene Unger, Fredericton – Work in human rights, social justice and education, including promotion of Holocaust awareness and fight against anti-Semitism.

An award ceremony will be held at Government House on Nov. 4 for the recipients.

The Order of New Brunswick was established in 2000. Since 2002, more than 130 people have been invested with the order.