A Missouri firefighter paramedic died after he was allegedly stabbed in the back of an ambulance while transporting a patient to the hospital on Sunday.
29-year-old Graham Hoffman of Kansas City Fire Department Fire Medic died a few hours after being stabbed in the chest by a patient who was taken to the hospital after a routine medical call from police, the Kansas City in a news release said.
The City added that Hoffman’s partner “initiated a crew emergency” after the stabbing, prompting additional fire and police units to respond.
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Hoffman was taken to North Kansas City Hospital, where he died in the intensive care unit although “heroic efforts” from KCFD paramedics were made while taking him to the hospital as well as efforts from staff in the emergency room and surgery.
“His KCFD ambulance was an essential lifesaving tool,” the Missouri Division of Fire Safety posted on Facebook. “But early this morning, Hoffman’s ambulance became a crime scene and Hoffman a victim of an unfathomable crime — allegedly stabbed to death by a patient he was treating.”
Major Quinton Lucas of Kansas City stated that Hoffman displayed the city’s “finest quality” through his “selfless service for others.”
“That he was taken from us while working to save lives makes this loss all the more painful,” Lucas said, in part.
“This senseless act reminds us of the dangers our first responders face each day. The suspect remains in custody as the police department works with the Clay County Prosecutor toward charges. We will demand accountability be applied not just to the suspect, but also for any steps in the system that fell short.”
Lucas added that the city mourns with the family of the Missouri firefighter paramedic who died with his friends and the fire department, requesting that members keep the Hoffman family and the city’s “brave first responders” in their prayers.
Kimiko Gilmore, who is the Interim City Manager also released a statement that contained condolences for the “unimaginable loss.”
“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,” she said, in part.
Hoffman joined KCFD in 2022 and was described by his department as “compassionate, caring, loving and a leader on and off the job” and a “dedicated professional who loved serving his city.”
On Sunday, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office declared charges against 38-year-old Shanetta Bossell in Hoffman’s death.
Prison records indicate that Bossell is facing three felony charges, first-degree murder, resisting or interfering with arrest for a felony and third-degree assault.
Moreover, she is charged with armed criminal action with her bond reportedly set at $1 million.
On April 23, Bossell was arrested for allegedly biting a Platte City cop and was charged with assault and resisting arrest in that instance, KCTV 5 reported.
Judge Louis Angles reviewed that case and set Bossell’s bond at $10,000, which was released a few hours before Saturday, per KCTV.
“Hearts are heavy as our minds struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible”, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety.
“Hoffman had committed his life to answering the alarm bell no matter the emergency, regardless of the circumstances,” the organization wrote. “He was a lifesaver.”
