ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Maintenance on Albemarle County fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles just got a whole lot more convenient for both departments.

For almost two years, Albemarle County has been renovating the old JCPenney at Fashion Square Mall into a full-fledged Public Safety Operations Center.

"It is space that is being utilized by both the police department and by Albemarle County Fire Rescue personnel," said Captain Jason Marden with ACPD.

The space is 33,000 square feet, and the project cost the county $2.6 million.

"We have not done a lot to the existing walls. It's obvious that the space has gotten a facelift and gotten updated and modernized for us," said Marden.

The property's lease is 10 years with built-in options to renew in 5-year increments. So, the facility could be in the county's hands for 15 years or more.

Marden says having both ACFR and ACPD in the same building creates more opportunities for the two to be able to help one another.

"Whether it's sharing equipment, sharing tools, the kind of work that both of those entities are doing, both from the police side and the fire side, are very coaligned with each other," he said.

ACFR's Deputy Chief David Puckett echoes Marden and says the space is more convenient and centrally located in the county.

"This facility is sort of in the hub, and we have a lot of stations in the northern part of the county, so this fits our operation very well," said Puckett.

Both Puckett and Marden stress that this location is only for maintenance and operations.

"Just to be clear, this is not an operating fire station nor a police department, so if you are having some sort of medical issue or emergency, this is not the right place to come," said Puckett.

If you are experiencing an emergency, they say to call 911, and they will come to you.