Police officer Ashley Guinden was shot dead on her first day.

It was her first day on the job, and also her last.

A community in Virginia in the United States is in “deep mourning” following the death of a young female police officer, shot on her first day.

Ashley Guindo, described as “kind and compassionate” by a former colleague, was sworn in on Friday morning. She was attending a domestic dispute that evening when she was fatally wounded.

Two other officers were also shot and remain in hospital as a result of their injuries, but the wife of the gunman had been shot and killed before they even arrived at the scene.

“When they got to the door, the suspect started shooting,” Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert said.

“This is the third call for shooting I’ve had since I’ve been in the office… It always takes a toll on the department. It’s a tragedy.”

The alleged gunman was Ronald Hamilton, an active-duty Army staff sergeant based at the Pentagon.

According to police, Hamilton and his wife Crystal were involved in a day-long verbal altercation that escalated physically – it was Crystal who called the police.

The couple’s 11-year-old son was also in the house at the time of the incident, but managed escape without injury and is now being cared for by his family members.

“He ran so fast I can’t even imagine how scared he must have been,” neighbour Zacarius Harris said.

“It broke my heart.”

Guindon received an undergraduate degree in aeronautics, before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and going on to follow family members into law enforcement.

She worked briefly at a funeral home, thinking about becoming a medical examiner and the director of the home, Danielle Everly, said she was “a very kind and compassionate person.”

“Always smiling. Very pleasant to be around.”

The police department sent out a tweet welcoming her just hour before she died.

‘Welcome Officers Steven Kendall & Ashley Guindon who were sworn in today & begin their shifts this weekend.

‘Be safe!’ it said.

A candlelight vigil will be held in her honour this evening and tributes have flowed onto the police department’s Facebook page.

“Our condolences go out to Ashely’s mother and her extended family as well as all of her loved ones throughout this department and beyond,” Police Chief Steve Hudson said in a press conference.

“We are asking for thoughts and prayers as well as we monitor the condition of our other two officers who remain hospitalised today.

“We are sincerely appreciative of all the support we have received from the community.”