He also was well liked in his community, and was a kind person and a leader on and off the job as a firefighter paramedic. While performing the work he loved most, he tragically died when he was 29. When he was carrying a patient, Hoffman was fatally stabbed Sunday, April 27. His passing has shaken the Kansas City community as well as the entire first responder network.
Hoffman was a paramedic and firefighter in Kansas City who gave his life to help people. They describe him as a vibrant, kind and unbelievably talented man. Kansas City fire chief Ross Grundyson described him as “an excellent paramedic” and said that the man who was a “consistently great performer who always provided his patients with unparalleled professionalism and compassion.” Hoffman was making a routine medical call when on April 27, he was transporting Shanetta Bossell, 38, who was found walking down a state highway. At around 1:25 a.m., they say bossell stabbed Hoffman in the chest while the ambulance was on its way.
Attempts to save him failed and Hoffman died of the wound in North Kansas City Hospital. The heated altercation that led to the incident in the back of the ambulance took place while Graham’s girlfriend was behind the wheel. Bossell, allegedly, tried to storm the ambulance, the partner pulled over and tried to save Hoffman. According to Bossell, he had allegedly bit one of the responding officers before his detention. She is held on a $1 million bond charged with murder and armed criminal conduct, where she remains jailed. So if found guilty, she might face life in prison.
Hoffman’s death has been truly felt. During his time with Kansas City Fire Department (started 2022), he had cared for thousands of calls. Though Mayor Quinton Lucas did not name Hoffman yet, he did speak out about the incident, expressing sympathies to Hoffman’s family and the huge loss to the community. But Hoffman had a lifetime of impact to come, he insisted. His life was cut short in the line of duty.
One of the best, recalled his former instructor, and EMS Division Chief Paul Paikowski, was Hoffman. “I was one of his favourite students,” he said. It was amazing to watch him. He proved to be extraordinary. In all ways he was wonderful and patients and peers adored him. Paikowski added that Hoffman never got a complaint in three years. He added that it was more tragic that Hoffman died trying to help someone.
The gentle demeanour plus boundless promise was why the Belton Fire Department in Missouri recalled Hoffman’s career in fire fighting. “We are devastated for his family and Kansas City Fire family” was released by them. His death was so sorrowful across the board he was incredibly respected by everyone who knew him, Kansas City Fire Department said in their memorial. During the month of August, the flags of the Massachusetts State House and station flags will remain at half-staff, and KCFD personnel will wear a black band across their badge to represent their respect.
That Hoffman’s passing was untimely gives a heartbreaking reminder of the risks first responders deal with on a daily basis. More than medic or fireman, he was a beloved friend, a loyal teammate, a loving son and a dedicated public servant. He was unflinching in his honesty and about his altruistic nature, people still talk about him today. Paikowski said a true soul was lost. “Even the department, his patients and his peers concerned him.”
We are thinking of Graham Hoffman’s family, friends, and coworkers. A hero who sacrificed all for others is lamented to be lost by the community. I wish that his service will always be remembered and that his memory will be a blessing. My gratitude to you Graham, they said, may you rest in peace.