Lawson “Topper” Durfee (1945—), an Army helicopter pilot with almost 1000 Vietnam combat hours, he earned the coveted Master Army Aviator designation. He retired from the RI Army National Guard after 26 years of service accruing some 7000 total flight hours. Durfee has been a South Kingstown Reserve Police Officer for 25 years, and a Charlestown Constable detail officer for 11 years. Since 2004, he has also been an Assistant Harbor Master for the town of Charlestown. Born in Wakefield, he graduated from South Kingstown High School and URI.
