Former Bethlehem officer resigns to join Love Island USA

A Pennsylvania police officer's decision to resign from his job to join the cast of a reality dating show has sparked a public dispute with local officials and drawn his family into his defense. Sean Reifel, a 29-year-old former officer with the Bethlehem Police Department, left his position to appear on the eighth season of "Love Island USA," which premiered on June 2.

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds and Police Chief Michelle Kott have publicly criticized Reifel's departure, citing the strain on the understaffed department and the investment of taxpayer funds. Reynolds stated that the city paid thousands of dollars to send Reifel to the police academy and is now left with a vacancy that cannot be filled until next year. He expressed disappointment, saying he never thought he would see the day where reality show participation wins out over being a police officer.

Chief Kott confirmed Reifel was a good officer but said his resignation was disappointing and came at a difficult time. She explained that departmental rules prohibited granting a leave of absence for such an endeavor, forcing Reifel to resign if he wanted to participate. Kott said allowing an officer to leave for...