Pedro Esponda, Jr. joined the New York City Transit Police Department on July 18, 1984. He served in Transit District 2, the Street Crime Unit, the Patrol Borough Manhattan North Street Crime Unit, and the 71 Squad. He was promoted to Detective on June 4, 1999. During his 20-year career, Detective Esponda made 232 arrests, and was recognized five times for Excellent Police Duty. Detective Esponda retired on August 1, 2004. He died on March 25, 2018. His death was deemed in the line of duty because of the illnesses he contracted as a result of working on the rescue and recovery from the WTC attacks of September 11, 2001. He is survived by his wife and daughters.