The drama caused a stir among residents in the area known for its lush greenery, colonial architecture and industrial history.
Kristine Ruff, a small business owner who lives in the area, was getting her hair done at a local salon.
Ruff recounted the salon owner saying, “Oh my God, did you hear? One of the contestants is from Bethlehem. He’s a cop. I was like, ‘Oh my God, that’s crazy.'”
Ruff, whose kids go to school in Bethlehem, told the BBC she immediately texted her sister, who said: “Yeah, we were just talking about it.'”
Everyone in the area is “sending the show clips from Instagram to each other, saying, like, ‘Can you believe that it’s a local guy that’s on the show?'” Ruff said.
But the controversy with local officials has seeped into the excitement. Ruff said she’s watching the show this season as Bethlehem is thrust into the national spotlight.
“Listen, I wish there was a different reason why we’re being put on the map,” she quipped. But, “if it gets more people to learn about this pretty part of the country, then I’m OK with that.”
Residents in one community Facebook group appeared divided over the evolving saga.
“This is such a great opportunity for him. I understand the older people think it’s silly (and that’s OK), but this little appearance could potentially set him up for life!” one community member wrote.
“Truthfully the mayor should be ashamed of himself. The fact that this man put his life on the line for HIS city and then be criticized… don’t criticize a man who has kept us safe,” the person continued.
Another resident wrote, “Good for him. You do you boo!!”
Others weren’t so supportive, some arguing they had paid tax dollars to help train him.
One person said the content of this type of show was not “becoming of a police officer”.
“It’s all about the work ethic,” another person remarked, noting this is a short-term opportunity that could impact his career. “I doubt any police department anywhere is gonna put any more energy into him after what he did to his previous department, which is let them hang low.”
Reifel’s family has taken to social media to defend him, arguing the claims that taxpayers wasted money on his training were overblown.
His sister, Brice Marie, said, external the city and police force could have used his appearance as an opportunity to “connect with the community, generate positive publicity for the town, and help improve perceptions of law enforcement”.
“Instead, they chose a response that will likely reinforce the stereotypes they should be working to change.”