Phila. FOP moves picnic from Dorney Park after treatment of employee

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby announced Wednesday the union's annual summer picnic will not be held at Dorney Park as it has been the past four years.

And it's all because of the park's treatment of former employee Chris Emery.

Emery, a 12-year employee of the park who has special needs, was initially told he would not be re-hired because of his performance during a new interview process. Park management later apologized and reversed the decision.

Emery was offered his job back at the amusement park for a 13th year, but he declined.

The story went viral and resonated with people across the country, including the FOP.

McNesby says what happened was unthinkable, telling Action News the FOP's annual picnic hosts 4,000 people and costs about $250,000.

When asked where the picnic will be held this year, McNesby says, "Anywhere else that will take and support kids with disabilities."

Mike Fehnel, the Allentown park's general manager, has said the company respects and values all of their workers.