Sgt. at Arms Kevin Vickers is being hailed a hero today for shooting the gunman who ambushed the Parliament building in Ottawa.
Lawmakers confirmed to ABC News that Vickers fired the fatal shot that killed the gunman, who has not been not been identified.
Vickers, 58, is a former police officer who had worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for nearly three decades before he joined Canada's House of Commons as the head of security in 2005. He was appointed Sgt. at Arms the following year.
Soldier Dead in Canadian Parliament Shooting Photos: Shooting at War Memorial in Canada Dramatic Moments from Inside the Canadian Parliament as Gunfire Is HeardVicker's younger brother John Vickers told CBC News that his brother called their mother to say he's safe.
"I just couldn't be prouder of him right now," John said, noting that Kevin has "always been committed to service, people and country."
Vickers, who lives in Ottawa, according to his Facebook profile, also drew praise on social media.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Peter MacKay called Vickers and other security forces "true heroes" and politician Glenn Thibeault called him the "nicest guy you'll ever meet."