Charlottesville, Va., Fire Chief Charles Warner was picked to lead a DHS committee on how the federal government is meeting local first responder needs. And Brian Coleman takes over as head of London's Fire and Emergency Planning Authority.

According to a report by WCVA, Warner will head the committee that advices the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Emergency Communications and Office of Interoperability and Compatibility.

Warner has 32 years in the fire service and won the Virgina Governor's Award for Excellence three times. He replaces Montgomery County (Md.) Council Member Marilyn Praisner, who died in February, the station reported.

Across the ocean, London Assembly Member Brian Coleman will head the city's fire and emergency planning authority, according to a report by the Hendon Times. Coleman was appointed by London's mayor after winning a seat on the council earlier this month.

During his confirmation hearing before other members of the assembly, Coleman said his priorities would be budget and modernization.

Following the appointment, Coleman told the paper, "I am delighted to have not only the Mayor of London's support but now all party support for this important and vital post. I look forward to continuing to improve safety for all Londoners."

Coleman is a member of the Conservative Party and replaced Valerie Shawcross, who had served in that post for eight years; Shawcross is a member of the Labour Party.