safe idle?

[Parmaboy]

Just curious how common a secure/safe idle option is on other peoples departments.

On our ambulances we have a little red button that we push next to the ignition. If we push it and pull out the key it stays running. If someone shifts the truck into gear without putting the key back in it immediately shuts down the engine.

I believe this was implemented after someone stole our ems truck years ago and lead police on a pursuit. I really think all emergency vehicles should have this. It allows your truck to stay warm or cool depending on the season, and allows you to run your emergency lights at a scene without worrying about someone stealing the truck.

I also think that leaving trucks/keys accessible is a security problem for terrorism possibilities.

any thoughts/ anyone have similar features on their trucks?

[gruntmedik]

When I worked the streets, our service had it. Flip the toggle switch one way, and it would kill the engine when the brake pedal was depressed. Flip it the other way, and the air horn would sound when the brake was depressed.