In June 2025, Leon County deputies Bill Sullivan and Cody Wood responded to a domestic call. The suspect opened fire, striking Sullivan twice. Texas State Trooper Austin arrived shortly afterward and helped Wood get Sullivan to medical care. Over the next year, Sullivan underwent nine surgeries.
In October 2026, the three officers got together in South Texas under very different circumstances. Our Hometown Hero Outdoors Texas chapter welcomed them to Harris Ranch at Turkey Creek for a whitetail deer hunt. Sullivan, Wood, and Austin each harvested multiple deer, and the trip gave them time to catch up and talk about the call that brought them together.
The people who keep opening the gates
For nearly five years, the Harris Ranch family and staff have made our members feel welcome. Each October and January, our Texas chapter brings HHO members to the ranch for whitetail hunts. The partnership also helps the ranch meet harvest goals recommended by wildlife biologists to maintain a healthy deer herd.
Ranch owner Mike Harris and longtime manager John Sewell have put years into caring for the land. Texas Parks and Wildlife recognized Harris Ranch as a 2017 Lone Star Land Steward, and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board named it 2026 Wildlife Conservationist of the Year. Their work includes restoring native habitat and improving access to water for wildlife.
Back at the ranch in February
In February 2027, we plan to return to Harris Ranch for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). Our volunteers will practice recognizing when someone may be at risk of suicide, having a direct conversation, and helping that person take steps toward safety.
Thank you to Mike, John, the entire Harris Ranch team, and our Texas volunteers for making this reunion possible. Bill, Cody, and Austin, we’re grateful you spent some of your time with us.
If you’re a military service member, veteran, or first responder looking to spend time outdoors with people who understand your service, join Hometown Hero Outdoors. Membership is free. You can also read more about the Harris Ranch Heroes Initiative or support future trips.
