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Northwest Fire/Rescue District's governing board on Wednesday called for an independent investigation into a captain accused of failing to disclose a murder conviction.

The board stripped Chief Jeff Piechura of the power to decide the outcome of the investigation of Capt. Robert Montijo, who Piechura said failed to disclose a 1987 negligent-homicide conviction when he applied for work in 1992.

District officials will ask Chief David Curtis, who runs the Central Yavapai Fire District near Prescott, to review the investigation and make a decision. According to Northwest's policy, the chief has to approve any disciplinary action taken in a personnel matter.

The board also suspended the usual appeals process in the matter, giving Montijo the option of appealing any decision to either an internal review board or a state hearing officer.

The investigation needed to be moved out of the district — which provides fire service to Tucson's Northwest Side and Marana — so that it could be impartial, said Pat Jacobs, board chairman.

Thomas Benavidez, fire-district attorney, said the investigation has divided employees and that independence was needed "to preserve the integrity of the process."

"We're getting it out of our hair," said board member Vince Baker.

Piechura removed himself from the investigation earlier this month after Montijo filed a complaint against the chief accusing him of numerous sexual misdeeds involving district employees and equipment.

Piechura won't comment on the accusations but said they're an attempt to blackmail him into allowing Montijo to retire early and claim his pension.

Officials began investigating Montijo late last year when Piechura said he first learned of the captain's conviction.

Piechura tried to fire Montijo, but the captain appealed the decision, arguing that he disclosed the conviction when he applied.

During the appeal, Piechura accused Montijo of doctoring his initial application to look like he disclosed the felony. Montijo denied it.

The appeal abruptly ended and Montijo was given a new title — warehouse supervisor — and a raise.

Officials began a second investigation into Montijo recently, though they won't say whether the matter is related. Montijo is on paid administrative leave until the investigation is completed.