Warren County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Maurice Brooks is always there to lend a helping hand.

He’s a face that almost everyone in Vicksburg recognizes from either the courthouse or any of the many special events he works for the sheriff’s office.

“It was a childhood dream to be in a position to help people,” said Brooks, the supervisor of the court services unit of the sheriff’s department.

Brooks started with the Warren County Sheriff’s Department in 2008 as a jailer. After going to the police academy, he began working as a court services deputy in 2009.

Sheriff’s deputies assigned to the courthouse provide security and are the first faces patrons see as they enter the door. They tackle any number of tasks from transporting prisoners to and from the jail across the street for court to helping lost visitors find county offices.

“It’s making visitors feel safe and welcome and making the people who work there feel safe and welcome,” Brooks said. “You’re there to assist and help people. It’s all about the people.”

Obviously, when court is in session, it takes up a good amount of Brooks’ time. He’s often the one who escorts in one of the county’s two circuit judges and announces that court has come to order.

“No matter how long we’re in the courtroom, we have somebody on the first floor to assist the public at all times,” Brooks said.

Brooks is a good leader for the unit, Sheriff Martin Pace said.

“Early in his career, I recognized Maurice’s passion for interacting with people. His demeanor perfectly suits him for law enforcement. First and foremost, we are peace officers and public servants,” Pace said.

Court services deputies also serve as the special detail unit for the sheriff’s department, meaning they provide security and public relations at RiverFest, National Night Out, parade, funerals and countless other events, Pace said.

“Anything — you know I’m there,” Brooks said.

Though they aren’t typically on patrol, court services deputies are well-trained officers, Pace said.

“They are all state certified law enforcement, regardless of whether they are patrol division, investigations or court services,” Pace said.