The Reformed pastor Fredrik (Frits) Slomp (1898–1978) was a committed resistance fighter. From 1939 onward, he helped German Jews who had fled to the Netherlands and arranged hiding places for German citizens who refused to serve in the Wehrmacht. At illegal meetings of the Anti-Revolutionary Party and the Christian National Trade Union, Slomp openly called for resistance against the occupier.
In 1942, for his own safety, he had to go into hiding. Together with “Tante Riek” (Helena Kuipers-Rietbergen), he founded the Landelijke Organisatie voor Hulp aan Onderduikers (National Organization for Aid to People in Hiding, LO), which operated nationwide and was largely coordinated from Zwolle.
After the liberation, Slomp first served as a local authority in Hardenberg and a few weeks later as a non-commissioned officer in the Canadian Army, helping to improve contact between the Allies and the resistance. Until his death in 1978, he remained committed to speaking about the importance of freedom.
The monument in Heemse was only unveiled after his death, on 4 May 1995. It consists of a bronze bust with a commemorative plaque and also serves as a memorial for the liberation of Heemse. The inscription reads:
"FRITS DE ZWERVER"
Rev. F. SLOMP 1898 – 1978
CO-FOUNDER OF LO / LKP
1940 – 1945
FOR ALL WHO GAVE US A FUTURE
HEEMSE / HARDENBERG 4 MAY 1995