Heroic actions may be both Sung and Unsung. Thank you for this reminder of people having jobs that are boring most of the time and LIFE-SAVING when counts!
This is the first time I have heard this version of the incident. Why is this not well known by now? It should be. I think I know why.
By recognizing this guy, some think it will take away from Vickers’ heroism. In that, they would be wrong and clearly would not understand what both of these gents did that day.
I was totally unaware of Const. Barrett's actions. I hope this article is of some consolation to him. How is it that 10 years have passed without that story becoming public knowledge? I vividly recall standing on a 407 overpass, with hundreds of others, to offer our respects to Corporal Cirillo.
Great work John. The missing link, though, is that it was Evan Solomon’s dramatic reenactment of the incident that elevated Vickers to lone hero status. So did Vickers mislead Evan about who fired the fatal shot? Did Vickers, in the midst of gun smoke, panic and fear not realize that this happened? Which may be understandable. (Gunshots without ear protection are pretty traumatic to ears and brain after all) Or… I realize this is delicate due to friendships, but
I am not sure it’s helpful to anyone to relitigate this. The OPP report was clear - or it least it was once I’d read an unredacted copy - that both men’s bullets were found in the terrorist’s body. Both risked their lives and both may have been shot had the other not been there. The other untold story is the contribution of Sgt Rozon, Cpl Daigle and Const Fraser. All have been deeply affected by their experience that day, I’m told.
He’s doing so well, he’s a sergeant now and he retires on full pension in four years!
Wonderfully written, John. I had no idea. God bless them both.
Thank you, John.
As a retired RCMP member I am pleased to note that the force is at last ‘getting it’.
Heroic actions may be both Sung and Unsung. Thank you for this reminder of people having jobs that are boring most of the time and LIFE-SAVING when counts!
Thank you for this excellent human story. There is much in here.
I mean, much more about the incident, the people, and healing.
Thank you very much for reminding and informing us of the heroes who serve. Their stories need to be aired.
Excellent piece. We need good people to stand up for heroes and recognize their contributions. Thank you both.
Well written piece, John, thank you. It’s good to know that Cpl. Barrett is doing well now.
This is the first time I have heard this version of the incident. Why is this not well known by now? It should be. I think I know why.
By recognizing this guy, some think it will take away from Vickers’ heroism. In that, they would be wrong and clearly would not understand what both of these gents did that day.
I think that’s right. Both are heroes
I was totally unaware of Const. Barrett's actions. I hope this article is of some consolation to him. How is it that 10 years have passed without that story becoming public knowledge? I vividly recall standing on a 407 overpass, with hundreds of others, to offer our respects to Corporal Cirillo.
Are there still sentry's at the war memorial, and if so, are they allowed loaded weapons now to defend themselves?
Is there are intention to set the record for that day straight? Barrett ptsd, Vickers ambassador to Ireland.
Barrett (and all security members in the House that day) received the Star of Courage from the Governor General.
Great work John. The missing link, though, is that it was Evan Solomon’s dramatic reenactment of the incident that elevated Vickers to lone hero status. So did Vickers mislead Evan about who fired the fatal shot? Did Vickers, in the midst of gun smoke, panic and fear not realize that this happened? Which may be understandable. (Gunshots without ear protection are pretty traumatic to ears and brain after all) Or… I realize this is delicate due to friendships, but
I am not sure it’s helpful to anyone to relitigate this. The OPP report was clear - or it least it was once I’d read an unredacted copy - that both men’s bullets were found in the terrorist’s body. Both risked their lives and both may have been shot had the other not been there. The other untold story is the contribution of Sgt Rozon, Cpl Daigle and Const Fraser. All have been deeply affected by their experience that day, I’m told.