ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The Rochester Police Department was poised to honor three officers climbing the ranks Monday. "You have individuals saying that 'I want to do more.' We live in a time where people are sometimes looking to figure out how they can do less," said Mayor Malik Evans. Those three officers, Jeremy Startare, Zachary Costello and Josiah Harris were all officially promoted to Sergeants. Sgt. Jeremy Startare & Chief David Smith. (RPD)Sgt. Zachary Costello & Chief David Smith (RPD)Sgt. Josiah Harris & Chief David Smith (RPD) "Actions speak louder than words. And the actions of leaders actually speaks much more louder than the words," Evans said. "This is not easy, and no shade to other states, but in New York State it's very hard to become a police officer. You can't just rollover and say 'I want to be a cop.'" Evans also noted the importance of having loved ones in attendance Monday, but even moreso, their support of these newly sworn-in Sergeants every step of the way. A few months ago, RPD officials acknowledged it was tough to find people to do the job and got creative in recruitment efforts. At the beginning of 2024, RPD announced it was dealing with a major shortage, making recognitions like this - all the more important. L3Harris delivers Rochester built Optical Telescope Assembly to NASA "The men and women in uniform at the Rochester Police Department have some of the hardest jobs in our community," Evans emphasized during Monday's ceremony. "But we're even grateful that the three of you said, 'I want to do more, and I want to be a role model, and I want to be a leader.' Leadership is lonely." To learn more about the Rochester Police Department, click here.