BRIEFLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Missing swimmer turns out to be a buoy

Police hunted high and low for a reported missing swimmer after dark on Sept. 15 along the beach in North Laguna. A helicopter scanned the waters along Heisler Park with a high-beam light.

The “swimmer” turned out to be a buoy in the water, Sgt. Darin Lenyi said.

New police officer joins Laguna force

Roderick MacDonald has joined the Laguna Beach Police Dept. as a motorcycle officer, City Manager Ken Frank announced Sept. 14. MacDonald has 20 years of experience with the San Diego Sheriff’s Dept. and an extensive background in traffic enforcement.

The department has been recruiting to fill some half-dozen open positions.