Kenny Lynch is retiring from the Mankato Volunteer Fire Department after 53 years of service. "I thought it would be safer to retire because of my balance," Lynch said. "Healthwise though, I could still keep going."

Lynch started fighting fires with the Mankato Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 24. He has only been with the MVFD. When Lynch lived in Wakefield, he lived right across from the fire department there. When he heard the fire whistle, he ran out to watch the fire truck leave. "I enjoyed it," Lynch said. "It was kind of in my blood."

"When I was in high school, I thought ab...