Hero paramedic fatally st@bbed in ambulance by patient he was trying to help
Kansas City firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman, 29, was fatally stabbed in the line of duty on April 27, 2024, while transporting a patient to the hospital. The incident has deeply affected the local community and emergency services personnel, highlighting the often underappreciated risks faced by first responders.
Hoffman, who joined the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) in 2022, was known for his professionalism, compassion, and dedication. In just under two years, he responded to between 3,500 and 4,000 emergency calls, according to KCFD officials .
The Incident: April 27 Emergency Call Turns Fatal
On Sunday, April 27, 2024, at approximately 1:25 a.m., Hoffman and his partner were responding to a routine call to assist a woman identified as Shanetta Bossell, age 38. She had reportedly been found walking on a state highway in the Kansas City area.
According to court records and statements from law enforcement, while being transported in the back of the ambulance, Bossell allegedly produced a knife and stabbed Hoffman in the chest. Despite immediate assistance from his partner and emergency intervention, Hoffman was pronounced dead at North Kansas City Hospital .
KCTV5 News and other local outlets report that Bossell attempted to hijack the ambulance following the attack. Officers who arrived on the scene managed to intervene, and during the apprehension, she reportedly bit one of the officers on the arm before being subdued and arrested .
Legal Proceedings
According to Jackson County Court records, Shanetta Bossell has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. As of the latest updates, she is being held on a $1 million bond. If convicted, she could face life imprisonment under Missouri law .
A Community in Mourning
The Kansas City community, including city officials, firefighters, and residents, has been united in grief. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas issued a heartfelt statement on social media, emphasizing the gravity of the tragedy.
“Graham was 29 years old, someone who had an exceptional life ahead of him. He died doing something important to all of us — serving the community,” Mayor Lucas said. “We are grieving for his family, friends, and the entire KCFD family” .
A Career of Service and Compassion
Hoffman’s short but impactful career left a lasting impression on his peers. Paul Paikowski, EMS Division Chief at KCFD and one of Hoffman’s former instructors, described him as “an ideal firefighter and paramedic” who never received a single complaint during his time in the department.
“He was one of my favorite students,” Paikowski told KCTV5 News. “He was incredible to watch. Patients loved him. His peers loved him. He took everything seriously and genuinely cared about others.”
This sentiment was echoed by KCFD Fire Chief Ross Grundyson, who described Hoffman as “an excellent paramedic” known for his professionalism and compassion toward patients .
Remembering His Roots in Belton
Before joining the Kansas City Fire Department, Hoffman began his career in Belton, Missouri, where he also earned the admiration of his colleagues.
In a tribute, the Belton Fire Department described him as “a kind, soft-spoken, and witty personality,” adding, “We are heartbroken for his family and the Kansas City Fire family. Our prayers and condolences go out to all who loved him” .
Honoring a Fallen Hero
To commemorate Hoffman’s sacrifice, the Kansas City Fire Department has implemented several symbolic tributes. For a period of 30 days, all members of the department will wear a black band around their badges, a traditional sign of mourning in the firefighting community. Additionally, flags at all Kansas City fire stations will be flown at half-staff during the same time period .
The Bigger Picture: Safety for First Responders
The tragic death of Graham Hoffman serves as a reminder of the dangers emergency medical professionals face each day. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), emergency medical service (EMS) workers are at risk for violence while on duty, particularly when dealing with unpredictable situations involving mental health crises or substance abuse issues .
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) found that nearly 70% of EMS professionals reported being assaulted on the job at some point in their careers. These assaults range from verbal threats to physical attacks, including stabbings .
Advocates for EMS workers argue that more resources, training, and policies are needed to ensure their safety, including better access to mental health services for patients and additional security protocols during transports involving high-risk individuals.
A Life and Legacy That Will Be Remembered
While the circumstances surrounding Hoffman’s death are being investigated further, his legacy as a compassionate and dedicated paramedic is already clear. Friends, family, and colleagues describe him as someone who always went the extra mile, both personally and professionally.
His impact stretched beyond emergency calls. As a loving son and trusted teammate, he left a legacy that will continue to inspire those in the firefighting and EMS community.
In closing, Graham Hoffman’s story is not just one of loss, but also one of service, humanity, and courage. He embodied the spirit of public service, dedicating his life to protecting and healing others, even at great personal risk.
Sources
- KCTV5 News – Kansas City paramedic killed while transporting patient
- Fox4 KC – Court documents reveal details about paramedic’s death
- KMBC News – Paramedic stabbed to death in ambulance
- Missouri CaseNet – State v. Bossell
- Mayor Quinton Lucas – Official Statement via Twitter/X
- Interview with Paul Paikowski via KCTV
- Belton Fire Department Facebook Post – Tribute to Hoffman
- Kansas City Fire Department – Official Statement
- CDC – Workplace Safety & Health Topics: EMS Workers
- JEMS – Study: Violence Against EMS Workers
