McAlester and Pittsburg County Emergency Management confirmed Saturday that two emergency responders and one volunteer were killed in separate incidents tied to this weekend’s H-Town Throwdown races in Hartshorne.

According to a statement from Emergency Management Director Leonard Baughman, two responders died Saturday during a vehicle crash at the drag racing event. A third individual died Friday evening while helping prepare for the festival.

“Our hearts are broken for the families, friends, and fellow responders affected by this unimaginable loss,” Baughman said. “These individuals gave themselves in service to our community, and their sacrifice will be felt across all of Pittsburg County.”

The volunteer who was killed has been identified as Justin Faulkner, who is the husband of the

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