Honouring Parliamentary Security Staff

"Constable Samearn Son, a valued member of the House of Commons Protective Service for ten years, was injured while attempting to disarm the gunman, despite being unarmed himself."
"His selfless action, putting his own body in harm's way, was a stunning example of bravery and brought further honour and esteem to the Protective Service."
"Each and every day, this remarkable team demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the safety of members, employees and visitors to the [Parliament] Hill."
"We are all, without question, in their debt."
House of Commons Speaker Andrew Scheer

Still from video in House of Commons honouring Security personnel

It was time to give recognition where it was due. Samearn Son, in his professional persona as a Parliament Hill security constable, took swift action when he witnessed the entry of a gunman to the Centre Block of the House of Commons. He tackled the attacker, and attempted to gain possession of his rifle. He succeeded in slowing the advance of the man into the main corridor of the House, enabling other Security personnel to react, and for his selfless act, was shot in the foot when the gunman retook possession of his firearm.

Twitter   NDP MP Pat Martin told the House of Commons on Wednesday that Branden Stevenson, right, the son of two of his constituents, should be honoured for chasing after Ottawa gunman Michael Zehaf-Bibeau before turning his attention to his dying friend.

After which the gunman strode down the main hall toward meeting rooms where the Conservative Cabinet, the Prime Minister and caucus were meeting, as well as the Liberals in their weekly caucus session. Michael Zehaf-Bibeau had already succeeded in shooting and killing a reserve member of the Canadian Military, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, standing ceremonial guard at the National Cenotaph.

And it was there, in the corridor where he was himself shot and killed. A wild shoot-out occurred when Security personnel responded in numbers to the crisis on Parliament Hill. It was sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers who was credited with shooting the gunman to death that day on October 22, and he has himself been commended for valour and honoured. Finally, Constable Son received his due recognition.

House of Commons Speaker Andrew Scheer shakes hands with Const. Samearn Son as other security members look on in the House of Commons as they are honoured for their efforts during the October shooting on Parliament Hill, Thursday December 11, 2014 in Ottawa.
Adrian Wyld / CP