Bethlehem police officer resigns to appear on reality show 'Love Island,' mayor says

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (WPVI) -- The mayor of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is speaking out after a new "Love Island USA" contestant left his job as a police officer to join the reality dating show.

Mayor J. William Reynolds says Sean Reifel resigned from the police department after the city spent thousands of taxpayer dollars on his training and police academy education.

Reynolds called the departure disappointing, saying the department now has another vacancy that won't be filled until next year.

The police chief echoed those concerns, saying departments across the country are struggling to recruit officers and relying on overtime to cover staffing gaps.

Reifel served less than a year with the department.

Reynolds swore in Reifel as an officer on Aug. 18 last year, according to a post by the police department. The two appeared together, smiling and shaking hands in photos.

Reifel was one of 12 new singles featured in Tuesday's premiere.

Reifel hasn't commented, likely because contestants are kept in isolation until filming wraps.

As the show goes on, couples will compete for America's affection and a share of $100,000.