The Town of Deux-Montagnes acknowledged its resident Mr. Robert Slovick, who has been awarded a 2025 Citation of Recognition by the Quebec Ministry of Public Security. The citation was presented in recognition of his courageous actions during a major fire on October 19, 2024, and formally conferred on October 5, 2025 during the National Day of Recognition for Firefighters event at the Palais Montcalm in Québec City.
A decisive response in an emergency
On October 19, 2024, Mr. Slovick intervened promptly when a significant fire erupted in his condominium building in Deux-Montagnes. He showed notable composure, spirit of initiative, and leadership by helping to evacuate all occupants and coordinating with the municipal fire department, thereby easing the work of first responders and preventing what could have become a much more tragic situation.
In the press release on the National Day of Recognition, the Government of Québec states:
“For his part, citizen Robert Slovick showed an incomparable spirit of initiative on October 19, 2024, by helping the occupants exit his condominium building where a major fire had broken out, and by communicating effectively with his municipality’s fire safety service, which greatly facilitated the work of the emergency services.”
The same source also quotes Ian Lafrenière, Quebec’s Minister of Public Security, during the ceremony:
“I congratulate Mr. Robert Slovick, who demonstrated remarkable courage and dedication in a context that demanded a great deal of insight and speed, in order to evacuate all occupants of the building and hand them safely over to the arriving rescue personnel. … A huge thank-you to all these brave honorees and congratulations for your meritorious acts!”
The press release further notes that rather than waiting safely outside, Mr. Slovick returned into the burning building to assist, despite the danger.
A veteran of 40 years in firefighting
Mr. Slovick is a retired firefighter, having served 40 years in the profession, including time as a lieutenant, primarily with the Deux-Montagnes / Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac Fire Service. He retired approximately five years ago from active service.
His long career and continued commitment to community safety made him a fitting recipient for this provincial recognition.
The provincial citation and ceremony
The Citation of Recognition 2025 is part of the Québec government’s observance of the National Day of Recognition for Firefighters, held annually to highlight acts of bravery among firefighters and citizens. During the October 5 ceremony at Palais Montcalm in Québec City, Minister Lafrenière and other officials formally honored Mr. Slovick and fellow recipients.
In announcing the awards, the government indicated that several heroes from the Laurentides region (including Slovick) were to be recognized.
Community coverage and acknowledgment
The Ville de Deux-Montagnes municipal Facebook page posted about the October 19, 2024 fire and specifically mentioned Mr. Slovick’s intervention:
“Le 19 octobre 2024, M. Slovick a fait preuve d’un esprit d’initiative et d’un sang-froid remarquable lors d’un incendie majeur survenu dans son immeuble en copropriété à Deux-Montagnes.”
Another municipal post (in follow-up) publicly recognized the citation awarded to Mr. Slovick: “reconnaissance attribuée à M. Robert Slovick, citoyen de Deux-Montagnes, qui a reçu une Citation de reconnaissance du ministère de la Sécurité publique.”
Significance of the recognition
This provincial recognition underscores how a citizen’s prompt and courageous response in a life-threatening emergency can complement the efforts of professional first responders. In Mr. Slovick’s case, his experience as a former firefighter likely informed his calm, effective intervention under pressure. The award also serves as a model for civic duty and community solidarity.
