Firefighter paramedic Graham Hoffman was more than just a first responder – he was a genuine soul, a leader both on and off the job, and a beloved member of his community.

Tragically, at just 29 years old, he lost his life while doing the very work he loved most.

On Sunday, April 27, while transporting a patient, Hoffman was fatally stabbed.

Every firefighter and paramedic out there deserves our utmost respect, and they have every right to feel safe in their work – even though they often work under incredibly difficult circumstances.

Graham Hoffman, 29, a Kansas City firefighter-paramedic, was one of those heroes who dedicated his life to helping those in need.

Sadly, he paid the ultimate price on April 27.

The 29-year-old paramedic’s death has sent shockwaves through the first responder community, with fellow firefighters and emergency responders mourning the loss of a dedicated, compassionate, and vibrant individual who was loved by all who knew him.

”An excellent paramedic”

Graham Hoffman was not just a paramedic; he was a beacon of hope, someone who dedicated his life to helping others in need. His colleagues, friends, and family remember him for his exceptional skills, his warm heart, and his unyielding commitment to his community.

“He was a vibrant individual who loved life and loved serving his community,” said KCFD Fire Chief Ross Grundyson. “He was an excellent paramedic. He treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion.”

That commitment was tragically cut short when, during a routine medical call on April 27, Hoffman was stabbed in the chest by 38-year-old Shanetta Bossell, whom he had been transporting to the hospital after being found walking on a state highway.

During the transport, at approximately 1:25 a.m., Bossell allegedly attacked Hoffman with a knife, fatally wounding him.

Tried to hijack the ambulance

Despite Hoffman’s best efforts to save both his patient and himself, the stab wound was fatal, and he died at North Kansas City Hospital.

According to court records, officers witnessed the ambulance driver, Graham’s parter, rush to the back of the vehicle, where a violent struggle had broken out between Graham Hoffman and Shanetta Bossell.

Bossell then allegedly attempted to hijack the ambulance and drive off, but officers quickly intervened. During the confrontation, she reportedly bit one of the officers on the arm before being restrained.

Bossell was eventually apprehended and charged with murder and armed criminal action. She is currently being held on a $1 million bond, according to CBS affiliate KCTV. If convicted, she could face a life sentence in prison.

A favorite student

The shocking nature of Hoffman’s death has left the community reeling. Graham had been a member of the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022, and during his time there, he responded to between 3,500 and 4,000 service calls.

Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed his heartbreak over the loss of someone so young and full of promise.

“Graham was 29 years old, someone who had an exceptional life ahead of him, and he died doing something that was so impactful and important to all of us, serving the community,” Mayor Lucas said in a statement.

“Today I’m focused on grieving for his mother, his father, his sibling, his family, and everyone in the KCFD family.”

Hoffman’s passing has also deeply affected his colleagues, who remember him as a role model and a leader. Paul Paikowski, EMS Division Chief with KCFD and Hoffman’s instructor, reflected on his time working with him:

“He was one of my favorite students. He was the ideal firefighter and paramedic. From his appearance, you would go, this is a man that takes his job very seriously. He was incredible to watch. He turned out to be phenomenal. Patients loved him, peers loved him — he was just amazing in every way,” Paikowski told KCTV5.

He went on to describe Hoffman’s dedication: “He never got a complaint in three years; I never got a complaint on that man, ever. All I heard was what a good job he did, and that’s amazing.”

“I think what makes it so much worse is he was actually murdered. That’s what really, really, upsets me,” his former instructor said.

Kind, soft-spoke firefighter

Hoffman’s colleagues at the Kansas City Fire Department have also expressed the deep sorrow they feel following the loss of one of their own.

The Belton Fire Department in Missouri, where Hoffman began his firefighting career, said: ”Graham did not take long to show his kind, soft-spoken, and witty personality. A genuine soul filled with tons of potential. We are heartbroken for his family and the Kansas City Fire family and send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to them.”

The Kansas City Fire Department echoed these sentiments: ”Graham was a dedicated professional who loved serving his city. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Firefighter Graham Hoffman.”

To honor Graham, the Kansas City Fire Department is making a heartfelt tribute. For the next 30 days, all members will wear a black band around their badges. In addition, flags at the fire stations will fly at half-staff throughout the month as a mark of respect.

A loving son

The circumstances surrounding Hoffman’s death are still being reviewed, and his passing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers first responders face each day while serving their communities.

Graham Hoffman’s life was tragically cut short, but his legacy as a compassionate paramedic, a loving son, and a cherished colleague will live on. As the Kansas City community mourns, they also honor the life of a man who spent his days helping others and never hesitated to put his own life at risk to save others.

”We lost a genuine soul,” said Paikowski. ”He took everything so seriously. He really cared about his peers and his patients. He cared about the department; he cared about everything.”