SOMERSET, N.Y. — ​The Niagara County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal accident involving a first responder.

It was a day that ended in horror for the Hartland Volunteer Fire Company.

"It's going to be a long couple of days for the fire service of Niagara County,” said Niagara County Fire Coordinator and Emergency Services Director John Schultz. “But I tell you what, the family will get everybody through it.”

Officials say the company, along with members of the Barker Fire Department, had responded to a scene of a hay bale fire on Quaker Road in Somerset and were leaving for the evening. Judy Spencer of Hartland was acting as a spotter for a firetruck from the Barker Fire Company.

"The vehicle was backing south on Quaker Road when it struck the firefighter,” Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti said. “And unfortunately, the firefighter succumbed to her injures at the scene.”

Chief Bryan Ames says Spencer had served as a member of the company for more than 20 years, and he had known her more than 15. He says she was a top responder.

“It's very tough, very challenging,” Ames said. “Definitely going through the stages of grief at this time.”

Filicetti calls Spencer's death a tragic incident for both Barker and Hartland fire companies.

"They're grieving,” Filicetti said. “Whenever you lose a volunteer firefighter in service, that's a terrible, terrible day.”

Officials say losing one of their own has brought the firefighter community together.

“Last night, when this tragic event happened everybody pulled together to take care of Hartland,” Schultz said. "The family here, and quite honestly the fire service, is one giant family here in Niagara County.”

"Very relieving to be able to lean on our brothers and sisters,” Ames said.

Ames says the company is not currently responding to calls and will not do so until the members of the company are ready.