RCMP, security forces honoured for role in Parliament Hill shooting

The sun sets behind Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, November 5, 2015. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

More than a year after the deadly shooting on Parliament Hill, the RCMP honoured 20 Mounties and former House of Commons Protective Service members for their bravery and quick response.

The private ceremony at RCMP headquarters in Ottawa on Monday was hosted by RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson.

"I could not be more proud of how police and security personnel came together to protect others," Paulson said in a statement.

"Their heroic actions prevented further harm and have earned them the respect and admiration of their peers, fellow citizens and their country."

On October 22, 2014 Michael Zehaf-Bibeau fatally shot Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was standing guard at the Canadian National War Memorial on Parliament Hill.

An OPP investigation showed that six RCMP officers fired 56 shots after Zehaf-Bibeau entered the Centre Block parliament building and he was hit 31 times.

Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers received a standing ovation in the House of Commons and was appointed ambassador to Ireland for his role in the gunfight.

But Paulson faced criticism over the fact that four Mounties who also helped corner and take down Zehaf-Bibeau remained unrecognized.

The officers also did not receive an invitation to the official commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the shooting in October.

On Monday, twelve officers from the RCMP and six former Protective Service members were awarded the Commissioner's Commendation for Bravery.

Assistant Commissioner Gilles Michaud also presented two Commander's Commendations to RCMP members.