First responders and community members gathered Friday to honor the life of Kansas City firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman, who died in the line of duty April 27. Hoffman, 29, was fatally stabbed while treating a patient in an ambulance.
Hundreds attended a public visitation at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church before the service. Firefighters and first responders from across the United States filled the church, joined by local officials including Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.
Speakers remembered Graham Hoffman for his kindness, leadership, and dedication. His older brother, Noah Hoffman, described him as a "walking angel" and someone who embodied generosity.
Hoffman joined the Kansas City Fire Department in 2022 after previously working for the Belton Fire Department. KCFD Chief Ross Grundyson noted that the Belton chief called him to say he was taking "one of his best young men."
The incident occurred while Hoffman was working an overtime shift in the Northland area. The patient he was transporting, identified as Shanetta Bossell, allegedly stabbed him. Bossell has since been charged in Clay County with first-degree murder and other offenses, including assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest after allegedly biting an officer and attempting to take the ambulance. Court documents indicate Bossell had a prior incident involving biting an officer and was deemed a danger to the public before the fatal attack.
Following his death, support for Hoffman's family and legacy emerged. HeroFundUSA, Inc. established the Scholarship created in honor of fallen Kansas City paramedic Graham Hoffman to support future firefighter-paramedics in the Kansas City metro.
Several local businesses participated in fundraising efforts. These restaurants are donating 10 percent of sales Saturday to scholarship honoring Graham Hoffman to benefit the newly created scholarship fund. A memorial shirt designed by a retired KCFD firefighter also directed proceeds to the family (You can purchase a shirt here). Funds raised for the family have exceeded $100,000 (Fundraisers have raised over $100,000).
Community members also gathered outside Station 42, where Hoffman was stationed, to pay respects and share stories of his helpful nature (People share stories about Graham Hoffman outside of Station 42).
Hoffman was an organ donor, with his donations estimated to impact over 100 lives. During the funeral service, Reverend Adam James shared a message conveyed by Hoffman's girlfriend:
“She said, ‘You can be mad, but you’ll have to let that go. Graham would want you to turn this negative into a positive.”
