Station 42 in Kansas City on Monday, April 28, 2025, following the murder of KCFD fireman and paramedic Graham Hoffman, who was stabbed in an ambulance on the previous day. Dominick Williams [email protected]
First responders, city officials and local firefighters around the Kansas City area have been remembering firefighter paramedic Graham Hoffman, who was stabbed to death while responding to a call Sunday.
Hoffman was transporting a woman to the hospital when she allegedly stabbed him in the chest, piercing his heart, according to the Kansas City Fire Department.
Here is what we know about Hoffman:
Graham Hoffman
He was 29 years old.
In a press conference Sunday, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said that the senseless act is a reminder of the dangers first responders face each day
“At just 29, Graham embodied Kansas City’s finest quality — selfless service for others,” Lucas said in a statement. “That he was taken from us while working to save lives makes this loss all the more painful.”
Graham Hoffman is seen in a photo provided by the Kansas City Fire Department. Kansas City Fire Department Station 10 Facebook
Kansas City Fire Department
Hoffman joined the Kansas City Fire Department in 2022 and was stationed at Station 42 in southeast Kansas City. He was working overtime in Kansas City’s Northland at the time of his death.
“Today, we mourn the loss of Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman, a brave public servant who dedicated his life to helping others. His courage, compassion, and commitment to our community will never be forgotten,” Interim City Manager Kimiko Gilmore said in a statement Sunday.
“On behalf of the City of Kansas City, I extend our deepest condolences to Graham’s family, loved ones, and all members of the Kansas City Fire Department. We stand with you in this time of unimaginable loss.”
Previous work at local fire department
In the beginning of his career, Hoffman worked at the Belton Fire Department, who also openly mourned him on social media.
“Graham did not take long to show his kind, soft spoken, and witty personality,” they said in a post. “A genuine soul filled with tons of potential. We are heart broken for his family and the Kansas City Fire family and send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to them.”
What KCFD chief said about Hoffman
The Kansas City Fire Department described Hoffman in a Facebook post Sunday as a caring, compassionate, loving person both on and off the job who was considered a natural leader by his fellow firefighters.
“Graham was a dedicated professional who loved serving his city,” the post said. “He will be greatly missed.”
In a statement, Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson described Hoffman as a vibrant individual who loved life and loved serving his community.
“He was an excellent paramedic who treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion.” Hoffman’s courage, compassion and commitment to the community will never be forgotten, Grundyson said.
Suspect charged in Hoffman’s killing
Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson has charged Shanetta Bossell with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, third-degree assault of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest in Hoffman’s kiling.
Bossell was booked overnight into Clay County jail and was being held on a $1 million bond.
Hoffman’s death comes less than a week after Bossell was charged with allegedly biting an off-duty Platte City police officer in Kansas City’s Northland.
The officer had returned home from work Wednesday morning and saw Bossell allegedly pulling on the handles of his personal vehicle. He confronted Bossell and a struggle ensued, during which she allegedly bit the officer.
In a statement, the Kansas City Fire Department asked for privacy to be afforded to Hoffman’s family.
The Star’s Robert A. Cronkleton contributed.
