By Becky Holland
For Danny Smith, serving the community has always been about structure, communication, and working with people — not against them.
Smith, 49, serves as the Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Cochran, a role that keeps him moving between the office, job sites, meetings, and neighborhoods throughout the city.
“A day in the life?” he said with a laugh. “Where shall I begin?”
From making sure city ordinances are being followed to attending meetings and inspecting new construction projects, Smith says no two days are exactly alike.
A code enforcement officer helps ensure properties and buildings meet local ordinances and safety standards. Duties can include addressing overgrown lots, unsafe structures, nuisance complaints, zoning issues, abandoned properties, and helping oversee compliance with building and property regulations. The goal is often to help maintain public safety, property values, and overall quality of life within the community.
Smith said he believes strongly in positive communication when working with residents.
“I’m not just the grass police,” he said. “I try to work with people the best I can and understand that things can happen.”
Before joining the City of Cochran, Smith spent 28 years with the Georgia Department of Corrections, earning 30 years of credit during his career. He describes himself as a “policies and procedures guy” and says attention to detail has always been important to him professionally.
A 1995 graduate of Bleckley County High School, Smith later attended Oconee Fall Line Technical College to pursue a welding certificate. He is married and has children.
One of the things he enjoys most about his current position is being out in the community and getting to know people.
When he’s not working, Smith enjoys spending time outdoors and golfing.
Asked what advice he would give his younger self, Smith answered simply:
“Have some patience. Don’t try to rush things.”
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