Billerica Police Department Welcomes Two New Officers from the Lowell Police Academy

New Billerica Police Officers Derek Simonds and Jonah Varallo, at center, stand with fellow officers and commanders after being sworn in on Friday. From left are Officer Aaron Welborn, Officer Shane Casey, Lt. Mark Tsoukalas, Lt. Commander Frank Mirasolo, Officer Derek Simonds, Officer Jonah Varallo, Sgt. Cory Bandouveres, Sgt. Dwayne Eidens, and Chief Roy Frost. (Photo Courtesy Billerica Police Department)

BILLERICA — The Billerica Police Department is welcoming two new officers who just graduated from the Lowell Police Academy.

On Friday, Oct. 10, Officers Jonah Varallo and Derek Simonds graduated from the Lowell Police Academy and were sworn in as full-time Billerica patrolmen.

Officer Simonds is a Billerica native who graduated from Billerica Memorial High School, where he played soccer, in 2021. He then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UMass Lowell.

While getting his education, Simonds worked for three summers for the Billerica Highway Department. He is the son of Woburn Police Officer David Simonds, who retired in 2024.

“I wanted to become a police officer since I was young, to follow in my father’s footsteps,” said Officer Simonds. “I’m excited to start a long career with the Billerica Police Department and serve my community.”

Officer Varallo is a Billerica native who graduated from Shawsheen Valley Technical High School’s HVAC program in 2021. He then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University.

Officer Varallo played football and lacrosse in both high school and college, and also played hockey in high school.

“I want to be a police officer so I can help the community I grew up in,” said Officer Varallo. “I’m very excited to start.”

Both officers will now undergo a 12-week field training program under the supervision of a more experienced officer.

“I’m very happy that we were able to hire two eager, well-trained, and well-educated candidates who have roots in the Billerica community,” said Chief Frost. “I’m looking forward to seeing where both of these men will go in their careers.”