A bit self-congratulatory, but Palaceside Building (President Makoto Mishima) has received a letter of appreciation from Yoshio Kitamura, Fire Chief of the Tokyo Fire Department.
Letters of appreciation are often known as awards for specific acts such as lifesaving. Many will remember the three people—including a dentist—who received one this February at the Tokyo Marathon for rescuing a male runner (30) who had gone into cardiac arrest.
Unlike those, there are also letters recognizing years of effort. March 7 is the anniversary of the Fire Service Organization Act taking effect in 1948 (Showa 23), marking the start of municipal fire services and the establishment of the Tokyo Fire Department—the "founding anniversary." Each year on the anniversary, a few letters per fire station go to people involved in emergency medical care and those who have contributed to fire service development. Palaceside Building was honored "for many years of cooperation in smoothly advancing fire administration from a deep understanding of fire services, contributing to the safety of Tokyo residents and the development of Tokyo fire services."
Individuals and organizations should of course work for safety, but as a commercial building visited by many—including outside visitors and people passing through on commutes—the responsibility for safety is weighty. Palaceside Building prepares for emergencies through monthly earthquake-response training by employees, security staff, and facility managers, and organizes the Palaceside Building Joint Fire Prevention and Disaster Preparedness Council among all tenants, holding comprehensive fire drills twice a year in spring and autumn.
As building operators this is what we should do daily, but it is an honor to have such ongoing efforts recognized. We will continue striving to be a "safe and secure" building worthy of the letter.