‘A preventable tragedy’: First responders call for action following fatal stabbing of KCFD paramedic

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Kansas City Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its own.

On Sunday, 29-year-old Graham Hoffman, a paramedic-firefighter for the department, was stabbed while transporting a patient.

The woman responsible, Shanetta Bossell, was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with his death.

If convicted, she could be sentenced to life in prison.

KCFD said the call that Hoffman went out to was routine and didn’t call for any elevated protocols.

“Everything was going along like it was supposed to. There was no reason to suspect something like this would happen,” said Michael Hopkins, KCFD Battalion Chief, “so those sorts of policies for restraining someone or patting down just didn’t come into play.”

As the department mourns, Hopkins said they will continue to discuss what’s next.

“It’s something we’ll have to discuss. We’ll review policies with the police department on how we want to move forward,” said Hopkins, “the other side of the coin is that 99.99% of the time this is not the case, to have a complete policy shift it will take some time and a lot of review.”

Who was Graham Hoffman? ‘A genuine soul’ and ‘leader on and off the job’

For the men and women who rush towards danger every day, Hoffman’s death isn’t just a loss, it’s a wakeup call.

“We want to help people. We’re just tired of the line being crossed beyond what we’re already agreeing to,” said Shannon Green, a paramedic.

Green said she’s had a terrifying incident with a patient before, and learning about Graham Hoffman’s death hits close to home.

“Not too long ago, I had a patient look at me dead in the eyes on a call and say she hoped I died young. Graham did, and that’s not fair,” she said.

She is now advocating for stronger policies to feel safer while out on calls. “I’d like to see stricter laws in regard to assaults and healthcare workers, first responders, fire, and EMS.”

She said some departments have adopted safety protocols she feels could be implemented in Kansas City. “I know some departments across the country already have body armor and vests. There are varying levels of policies across the nation regarding the safety of their providers,” said Green.

Green said losing a fellow paramedic has shifted her mindset. “It’s not going to stop me from doing my job, it’s not going to stop anyone I know, but it’s going to cause extra stress, there’s going to be that added weight, heaviness, and fear.”

Green said one life was too many and hopes Graham’s death is a catalyst for change. “This shouldn’t have happened, and if it happens again, it’s just an even bigger failure in the system,” she said.

Documents: Woman charged with killing Graham Hoffman bit officer, tried to take ambulance

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