Dennis Behl, RN, retired on June 16 and Michele Graham, RN, retired on July 2 from Blessing Hospital.
Behl retired from the Emergency Center with 35 years of service. A graduate of the Hannibal LaGrange College nursing program, he was a Trauma Nurse Specialist, Emergency Communications RN, paramedic, EMS lead instructor, and instructor of basic, advanced and pediatric life support. Behl was also a volunteer with the Heart of Illinois Critical Incident Stress Management team.
“There is always something new and exciting happening in the emergency department,” Behl said. “I’ve worked with an amazing team of nursing staff, techs and physicians.”
He also served with the Quincy Fire Department for 30 years, retiring in 2017 with the rank of Lieutenant.
A native of Hannibal and resident of Clayton, Illinois, Behl is married to Sandy and has a daughter, Tina Jett.
Graham will retire with 34 years of service.
After working as a licensed practical nurse on a medical surgical unit, Graham left Blessing Hospital to become a registered nurse. Upon completing her education and earning her license she returned to Blessing and spent 18 years on the inpatient cancer unit and 16 years in the Surgery Center, the position from which she is retiring.
"I have had the honor of working with and learning from so many great and dedicated healthcare professionals during my years at Blessing, and many have become lifelong friends who have celebrated with me and supported me through my career and life events. I am thankful for being a part of several great teams. Blessing has been a good fit for me."
Graham received her registered nursing education from Southeastern Community College and her licensed practical nursing education from John Wood Community College.