LAPD Officer’s Body Washes Ashore

The body of a Los Angeles police lieutenant who disappeared during an off-duty diving excursion washed ashore Friday, police said.

The body of George G. Godwin, a 23-year veteran of the department, was discovered by a resident walking his dog. The site, called Diver’s Cove near Pacific Coast Highway and High Drive, is a mile north of where Godwin was last seen.

Godwin, 45, of San Dimas had gone diving with friends Nov. 13. At about 2 p.m., he signaled the others that he would surface because he was low on air, said Mark Klosterman, chief of marine safety for the Laguna Beach lifeguards.

A search party of about 20 divers from Laguna Beach lifeguards, Newport Beach police and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department searched unsuccessfully for two days.

Authorities said Godwin had been diving for years and was considered an advanced-level diver. Godwin also was pursuing a license to be a scuba instructor, and friends said he had scheduled a December diving trip in Hawaii.

During his career as a Los Angeles police officer, Godwin was awarded several honors, including the Police Meritorious Unit Citation medal in 1982. While working as an officer, he received a bachelor’s degree at the University of Redlands, a master’s degree in public administration from USC and a doctorate in philosophy from Claremont University.

Godwin was divorced and had a 5-year-old daughter.

“We’re very saddened by this,” Los Angeles Police Lt. Anthony Alba said. “Since last week, when he was reported missing, there have been many people coming into my office expressing their concerns.”