RUMFORD – Likeability is why Wayne Gallant of Rumford was elected Oxford County sheriff, residents said Wednesday.

In Tuesday’s general election, Gallant, a Democrat, garnered 12,919 votes, topping Republican candidate and Oxford County Chief Deputy Christopher Wainwright of Canton, who got 10,758 votes.

“He’s very well liked here,” Mexico fire Chief Gary Wentzell said of Gallant.

“I figured he’d sweep Rumford and Mexico. He’s proven himself around here. I’m really glad that he won, because I think that’s the best thing that could have happened with this county. I think it’s going to be very good for everybody,” he added.

Gallant got a huge boost from Rumford, tallying 2,107 votes to Wainwright’s 471, and likewise with Mexico. There, 930 people voted for Gallant, 223 for Wainwright.

“He is very well liked by the public,” Rumford Town Manager Stephen Eldridge of Monmouth said Wednesday.

“Congratulations to Wayne Gallant. The county is very fortunate to have someone with his caliber,” he added.

April Deroche of Rumford, who works for Mexico One-Stop, a convenience store and takeout deli on Route 17, was overjoyed that Gallant won.

“I think it’s great. They couldn’t have picked a better guy. He’s wonderful,” she said.

“Wayne is always there to lend a helping hand. I’ve known him since I was a kid,” Deroche added.

“He’s more of a people person. Wayne Gallant is a lot better than the other guy,” Carrie Thibodeau of Mexico said while working with Deroche early Wednesday night. She didn’t want to specify what she didn’t like about Wainwright.

“I’ve known (Gallant) for a long time in town. When you see Wayne Gallant walking down the street, he makes a point of saying hi to you. You don’t get that from a lot of other cops, not unless you’re in trouble,” Thibodeau added.

Mexico Town Manager John Madigan, for whom Gallant worked as a Rumford police officer when Madigan served as Rumford’s town manager, said Gallant is an excellent choice for the job.

“He’s going to make a fine sheriff for our county,” Madigan said.

“I’ve known him for 20 years, and he’s always been a good officer and a good person, too,” he added.

George Byam of Mexico agreed with Madigan.

“Wayne’s going to make a good sheriff. I think that’s a good move. I didn’t vote for him, but he’s got the experience,” Byam said.

When asked why he voted for Wainwright, Byam said, “Wainwright is younger and not so close to retirement, and, I thought we would get more years out of him.”

Mexico police Chief Jim Theriault also said he was happy for Gallant, and believes he will do a good job. But, he, too, voted for Wainwright, and felt bad that the chief deputy didn’t win.

Bob Grinnell of Rumford, who has worked with both Gallant and Wainwright and knows them both, said no matter who won, both would have done a good job.

“Wayne will do a great job, but I hope Wainwright will continue in some position because it would be a shame to lose him, as well. I remember when he first started. He was so young that when he confiscated beer, he had to have another officer come to get it. He’s come a long way,” Grinnell said of Wainwright.

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