Heiskell, Lawrence Eldred
On October 1st, Lawrence E. Heiskell M.D., beloved son and brother, passed away at 70 years old. He was born to Lawrence C. Heiskell and Martha B. Heiskell of Blacksburg Virginia.
Dr. Heiskell attended Randolph Macon College in Ashland, VA and Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, VA. He served several years in the US Antarctic Research Program, served on three expeditions to Antarctica and subsequently was awarded the Congressional Antarctic Service Medal in 1979. He attended the Autonomous University of Guadalajara for his medical training. He went on to become a double boarded emergency room and family practice physician. He practiced medicine and healing for over 35 years both in Virginia and California.
Dr. Heiskell founded The International School of Tactical Medicine (ISTM) in 1995. Homeland Security recognized this school and provided a grant to expand the teaching through PST (Police Officer Standards of Training). This school was the first of its kind and he co-authored the first textbook, then published by the ACEP (American College of Emergency Room Physicians). He lectured extensively in the US and abroad on Tactical Medicine and published over 60 articles and other publications. He was recognized by the Tactical Emergency Medicine Section of ACEP for his contributions to emergency medicine for this school and corresponding textbooks. He taught and educated police and first responders for over 30 years in tactical emergency medicine.
Dr. Heiskell served as a reserve police officer with Kern County Sheriff’s Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and then with the Palm Springs Police Department. He spent 30 years as their SWAT physician. The Palm Springs Police Department, the Cathedral City Police Department and the Indio Police Department combined to form the Desert Regional SWAT Team. He was awarded Reserve Office of the year by the California Reserve Police Officers Association in 2020. His tireless dedication to the police and law enforcement community was his passion along with being a world class collector of World War II militaria.
Dr. Heiskell is survived by his sister, Katie Heiskell of Rancho Mirage CA, his brother David Heiskell of Blacksburg,VA , his nephew, Tyler Heiskell of Richmond, VA, and his beloved long haired dachshund, Jax.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on October 15th in Rancho Mirage California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you please consider a donation to the Joy Ranch Orphanage in Hillsville, VA. Website: joyranch.org.