diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 8ef94fe0d..2412a3f3e 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -215,6 +215,10 @@ The download location of a package to be used with the 'package' install method.
 
 The name of the service managed with the 'archive' and 'package' install methods. Defaults to 'grafana-server'.
 
+#####`service_ensure`
+
+The ensure parameter passed to the service. Defaults to 'running'.
+
 #####`version`
 
 The version of Grafana to install and manage. Defaults to the latest version of Grafana available at the time of module release.
diff --git a/manifests/init.pp b/manifests/init.pp
index 23a3dfe18..b13f997a4 100644
--- a/manifests/init.pp
+++ b/manifests/init.pp
@@ -76,6 +76,7 @@
   $package_name        = $::grafana::params::package_name,
   $package_source      = $::grafana::params::package_source,
   $service_name        = $::grafana::params::service_name,
+  $service_ensure      = $::grafana::params::service_ensure,
   $version             = $::grafana::params::version
 ) inherits grafana::params {
 
diff --git a/manifests/params.pp b/manifests/params.pp
index 9ecde58a8..39247807a 100644
--- a/manifests/params.pp
+++ b/manifests/params.pp
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
   $manage_package_repo = true
   $package_name        = 'grafana'
   $service_name        = 'grafana-server'
-
+  $service_ensure      = 'running'
   $grafana_version     = '2.1.0'
   $rpm_iteration       = '1'
   $archive_source = "https://grafanarel.s3.amazonaws.com/builds/grafana-${grafana_version}.linux-x64.tar.gz"
diff --git a/manifests/service.pp b/manifests/service.pp
index c5a7eac69..05fb807ca 100644
--- a/manifests/service.pp
+++ b/manifests/service.pp
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
     }
     'package','repo': {
       service { $::grafana::service_name:
-        ensure => running,
+        ensure => $::grafana::service_ensure,
         enable => true
       }
     }