Even before Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey announced that he would retire at the end of the year, everyone pegged First Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross to become the next top cop. So let's file this one under "new we knew would be news."

Mayor-elect Jim Kenney will formally announce Ross' appointment Wednesday following a meeting of the Philadelphia Police Foundation.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Ross is a 26-year veteran in the city's police department. He has served as first deputy commissioner under Ramsey since 2008, where he oversees operations of some 6,000 officers across various units.

Kenney and Ross will make the formal announcement at a press conference this afternoon.

This is a developing story.