California Masonic Posse

The Posse Shield

The CA Masonic Posse AKA the Posse is a Third Degree Ritual Team whose members are active, retired or former Law Enforcement Officers who are Master Masons.  Service in Law Enforcement may be Federal, State, County or Municipal Government.  Some Military job descriptions and Fire Service Investigators qualify.

The Posse was originally founded as the County Employees Square and Compass Club with Wor. George Hesse as Secretary and Director.  When Wor George retired, about 1980, he was relieved by Former Santa Clara County Sheriff Robert E. “Bob” Winter, PM.  Since the membership was composed of Law Enforcement Officers, the group was renamed “the California Masonic Posse” under the direction of the “High Sheriff”, Bob Winter.

The Posse only only confers the Sublime Degree and only for “Peace Officer” candidates upon request of the candidates Lodge.  The Posse membership ranges from South San Francisco to King City but has honorary members in North Carolina and New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Dress code for Posse members is Tuxedo with Posse vest, western boots and string bow tie when conferring a degree inside a Lodge building.  Dress for an outdoor conferral is western boots, black jeans, long sleeve white shirt, string bow tie and posse vest.  The Master may wear a western Hat.  Baseball caps are permitted only during outdoor degrees for protection from the weather.

B.J. McCuiston,
PM, Keith # 187 F. & A. M.
Undersheriff, CA Masonic Posse