Highlands ambulance driver Chevy Wanamaker was one of the first emergency responders on scene Thursday morning after a tactical vehicle rolled over at a training site near the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, killing one cadet and injuring 22 others.

"We knew it was serious because of the amount of people. It was mass casualties," says Wanamaker.

MORE: West Point cadet killed, 22 injured in training rollover

Highlands Ambulance Corps president Jeff Gathers says the department hasn't seen an accident like this in a long time, and that it will take a long time for the Highlands community to recover.

In downtown Highland Falls, military banners and Army flags adorn the streets. Most businesses cater to the military academy that lies just steps away from Town Hall.

"When West Point has success, we enjoy in that success. When West Point has sadness, it affects us deeply in our hearts. And today is that day," says Mayor Joe D'Onofrio.

The mayor joined people in the area and across the Hudson Valley saying they never imagined an accident with so many wounded would ever occur on the grounds of the prestigious military academy. 

People there said the fact this accident took place on the 75th anniversary of D-Day made it a sadder event for military personnel across the country.