Is it legal or ethical for a police officer to repeat something

he has been told at the station by the chief, regarding a private conversation between the chief and a citizen, to the person that was spoken of in the private conversation adding a few twists for flair at the church they attend together?

I needed to speak with the police chief several months ago regarding some problems with my car. I have known him for years. He asked if I had any enemies, I told him only one and why ( a private family matter and my life had been threatened, I blew it off as just a jerk). Now I am told that one of the officers was given the information and repeated it to the person that threatened me while they were attending church together. However, it is like that old grapevine game where by the time it goes around it is totally different from what it started out as.

Can someone please advise me on what I need/can to do about this? It is a very small town and has caused horrible trouble in my family and has placed me in some more actual danger from this person. I don't want to be blindsided by this person in the dark some night.

I feel that IF the chief repeated what I said he did it to make the other officers aware of the situation (as is his job) and not to give a church going officer something to stir up someone's family trouble and place people in danger of physical harm to warn another member of his congregation of a potential investigation.

Any advice is deeply appreciated and especially advice from anyone that is knowledgeable about the legalities and ethics for such behavior.

Thank you all so much.

but I doubt you'd have a legal case against him, when you spoke to his boss it was about your car, it sounds like the conversation you had about the person threatening you was "off record".

Unless the second cop heard this stuff officially there's not a lot you can do - one of the many reasons I couldn't live in a small town

were possibly related until the chief asked about enemies. I had forgotten threat as coming from huge idiot repuke fundie. Do you suppose that would make it official? The fundie repukes here act as if they have free range anymore.
Thanks Djinn.

1.3 sq. miles small. Fart in the morning and by lunch, everyone in town knows what you had for breakfast.

I have very few friends here, only those that I know I can trust and I do not get involved in much. The gossip here is vicious. Just appalling. I don't want to know. I reveal little about myself to anyone. I learned my lesson.

Thank god there are computers to fix and websites to build. As soon as I can get out, you best believe I am gone city.

right now they really suck.
Thanks Tandalayo_.

illegal means nothing and unethical is the norm!
Thanks KitchenWitch!

it is unprofessional...don't police officers have to take some sort of oath when they become cops?

I'm hoping someone out here knows for sure. Seriously don't know what to do. My brake fluid keeps "disappearing" and tires deflating in weird ways. Mechanic finds NO leaks and tire guy is suspicious also. Really strange...