A woman whose father was killed during a 1988 shooting rampage at an Emporia church says the event made her an advocate for teaching proper use of firearms.

Bev Hilbish was 18 when Cheun-Phon Ji entered the Calvary Baptist Church on March 6, 1988, and began firing. Hilbish’s father, Thomas DeWeese of Americus, died and four others were wounded. Ji is serving life in prison.

Hilbish tells The Kansas City Star the shooting convinced her of the need for gun safety. She and her husband are certified 4-H shooting-sport instructors and coach many youngsters on handling firearms.

And their 17-year-old daughter, Megan, is a national-class target shooter and good hunter.

Hilbish says her dad wasn’t a hunter but she thinks he would be proud of Megan’s accomplishments.