Connie Lamke is the investigations secretary for the Ville Platte Police Department and is involved in many community service activities. For her efforts, she was awarded the Women with Heart Award for Evangeline Parish from the St. Landry-Evangeline United Way.
Lamke recently shared how what winning the award means to her.
Question: What are your hobbies/activities/clubs/organizations?
Answer: My hobbies are photography, traveling, and event planning. I am a St. Landry Evangeline Sexual Assault (SLESAC) Board Member, a Cops for a Cure Leader – color run, jail and bail, event leader for Bras on the Bayou, creator and hostess of Trick or Treat with Heritage Manor, Chamber of Commerce volunteer for programs such as Revitalize Downtown and Tourism events.
Question: Have you received any other awards? How does this one compare?
Answer: Every award has its own level of merit and honor and to choose one would diminish the others.
Question: What do you think it takes to be a recipient of Women with Heart Award?
Answer: Some of the many qualities that represent the Woman with Heart are generosity, love for others, and desire to help and the willingness to persevere to accomplish change.
Question: What have you learned about yourself from winning this award?
Answer: I was honored and humbled to be recognized by others. Every event that I represent, plan, and host is not a solo effort, it takes teamwork. We continue daily to try to make changes in our community and never seek recognition. I learned that people have noticed that we make an effort and we try our best to be a positive change in the lives of others. I may have started the process, but I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by those who have the same hopes and desires to help others. Despite so much negativity in the world today, there are others who share my desire to make things better for others.
Question: Is there anyone you would like to thank for making this award possible or helping you throughout your career?
Answer: There are many people that I would like to thank. I first wish to thank Renee Brown, Luke Deville and the Chamber of Commerce for nominating me and supporting me. Chief Neal Lartigue who supports my efforts to make positive changes and help others. Heidi Jeanmard, Ricky Leblanc and Randy Deshotel for standing by my side and rolling up their sleeves in support of the same beliefs and their heartfelt desire to help others. My daughters Kerri Prudhomme and Cassidy Prudhomme and her fiancé Adam Marks for always jumping in and helping with events. When you have the help of great people, it helps events run more smoothly and is so much more fun and successful
Last but certainly not least, my husband, Chris Lamke, for his unwavering belief in me, help with events and countless conversations to listen to my ideas and plans. He’s my biggest fan and supporter who is always at my side helping me carry out my dreams.
There are so many others that I can’t name each one. I’m grateful to every person and business who helps, donates, volunteers, collects items and attends each of these events. I’m a lucky woman to be constantly surrounded by the greatness of others.