MPD Takes to the Water at the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival

The Memphis Police Department got out of the patrol car and onto the water at the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival at Shelby Farms Park, working as a team to row a 46-foot boat across the lake.
MPD officers teamed up with our community to form Team Dim Sum King, a 20-person crew to compete in the Dragon Boat race at this year’s festival. On the water, the team had one goal: to work together and stay on beat to push the boat forward. Destinie Yos, the MPD Asian American Organization Founder, beat the drum for our team. We didn’t win, but we had a great time!
Off the water, the festival was fun for all who attended. There were dragon boat races, celebrations, music, food, vendors, and community filling Shelby Farms Park. The festival was also a great way to wrap up Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Our recruitment team was also in the park meeting with attendees. They answered questions and had conversations about everything MPD offers. From the hiring process and academy training to benefits and long-term opportunities, recruiters shared what it means to be the “Best in Blue.”
Interested in joining the “Best in Blue”? Visit joinmpd.com to learn more and apply.
A group of people are standing outdoors at what appears to be a community or team event held in a park-like setting with green trees in the background. Several individuals in the foreground are wearing matching blue and yellow shirts featuring a stylized dragon graphic and text that reads “DJI SUM KING.” One individual is posing with an arm raised and palm facing outward, while another stands with hands on hips. Additional participants wearing similar shirts are visible behind them, along with a crowd of people in casual clothing further in the background. At the bottom of the image, a banner displays the Memphis Police Department seal, the text “Memphis Police Department – Established in 1827,” the website joinmpd.com, and various social media icons.An outdoor community event scene shows an individual wearing a black polo shirt with an embroidered Memphis Police Department emblem on the chest and a duty belt with a badge. The individual is engaged in conversation with another person in the foreground who is gesturing with both hands. Behind them, brightly colored vehicles, including a blue police SUV and another blue vehicle, are parked on a grassy area. Additional people and vendor tents or booths are visible in the background. At the bottom of the image, a banner displays the Memphis Police Department seal, the text “Memphis Police Department – Established in 1827,” and the website joinmpd.com along with several social media icons.A long dragon boat filled with a paddling team is moving across a calm body of water. The team members, all wearing matching bright blue shirts and blue life vests labeled “DYNAMIC,” are seated in rows and paddling in unison. At the front of the boat sits an individual wearing a life vest and holding a steering paddle while facing the paddlers. The dragon boat has a decorative dragon head at the front, painted in green and yellow. The background consists of smooth water extending across the entire scene. Along the bottom edge of the image, a banner displays the Memphis Police Department seal, the text “Memphis Police Department – Established in 1827,” the website joinmpd.com, and several social media icons.An outdoor community event scene shows two Memphis Police Department personnel standing under a canopy tent while interacting with a visitor who is holding a mobile phone. On the table beneath the tent, there is a laptop, informational materials, cups, and promotional items. Behind the group, a blue Memphis Police Department vehicle is parked on a grassy area. Additional people, food trucks, and vendor booths are visible in the background across an open field. At the bottom of the image, a banner displays the Memphis Police Department seal, the text “Memphis Police Department – Established in 1827,” the website joinmpd.com, and several social media icons.A large group of people is gathered outdoors in a park-like setting, posing closely together for a group photo. Most individuals are wearing matching blue shirts with bright yellow dragon designs and text that appears to say “Dim Sum King.” Several people are making hand gestures such as raised arms or peace signs. The group is standing and crouching in multiple rows, with trees and other event participants visible in the background. At the bottom of the image, a banner features the Memphis Police Department seal, the text “Memphis Police Department – Established in 1827,” the website joinmpd.com, and various social media icons.A group of people are standing outdoors in a park-like setting with trees providing shade in the background. Several individuals in the foreground are wearing bright blue shirts featuring a large yellow dragon graphic and the text “DIM SUM KING.” Some people stand closely together, while others appear slightly turned or engaged with those around them. Additional people can be seen in the background, some wearing casual clothing and holding personal items. At the bottom of the image, a banner displays the Memphis Police Department seal, the text “Memphis Police Department – Established in 1827,” the website joinmpd.com, and various social media icons.An individual wearing a blue life vest and a blue athletic shirt is seated in a boat on a body of water. The individual is holding a paddle with one hand and raising the other arm upward with an extended index finger. Another person wearing a white shirt is partially visible to the left. The water behind them appears calm and reflects light. At the bottom of the image, a banner displays the Memphis Police Department seal, the text “Memphis Police Department – Established in 1827,” the website joinmpd.com, and various social media icons.An individual is seated at the front of a dragon boat on calm water. The individual is wearing a blue and black life vest over a blue athletic shirt with a yellow graphic, along with bright orange shorts. One hand is holding a wooden drumstick or paddle handle, while the other hand is positioned near the side of the body. The water stretches across the background with grassy shoreline visible in the distance. Along the bottom of the image, a banner displays the Memphis Police Department seal, the text “Memphis Police Department – Established in 1827,” the website joinmpd.com, and several social media icons.An individual is seated at the front of a dragon boat on calm water. The individual is wearing a blue and black life vest over a blue athletic shirt with a yellow graphic, along with bright orange shorts. One hand is holding a wooden drumstick or paddle handle, while the other hand is positioned near the side of the body. The water stretches across the background with grassy shoreline visible in the distance. Along the bottom of the image, a banner displays the Memphis Police Department seal, the text “Memphis Police Department – Established in 1827,” the website joinmpd.com, and several social media icons.
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